1. Types of Cribs

When choosing a crib, the first thing to decide is its type. This, in turn, depends on the child's age, room size and layout, budget, and parents' preferences. The following types of cribs exist:

Classic

Models with the simplest and most familiar design, often made of wood. Today, this is the most common type of crib, as it provides comfort and safety for the baby, as well as convenience for parents. Additionally, there is a wide variety of models available on the market for any budget. Classic cribs do not allow for the expansion of the sleeping area, so they will last approximately 3-4 years. Standard sizes are 120x60 cm or 140x70 cm, making it easier to choose a mattress. Thus, the main disadvantage of classic cribs is that they are only suitable for babies, take up a lot of space in the room, and are initially too large for an infant.

Classic cribs will serve you from the first days of a child's life until the age of 3-4 years.

Pros:

  • standard sizes
  • convenience for the child and parents

Cons:

  • dimensions
Popular Classic Crib Models

Bassinet (Cradle)

Compact models that do not take up much space but have a limited lifespan. They are intended only for infants up to 6 months old, rarely up to 1 year. Despite their narrow focus, these are the most comfortable cribs for newborns due to their special shape and often the presence of a rocking mechanism. Cradles are often made foldable and portable, making them easier to store, take on trips, and travel with.

Cradles have a limited lifespan - they are intended only for infants up to 6 months old.

Pros:

  • small size
  • maximum comfort for the newborn

Cons:

  • short usage period
Popular Bassinet (Cradle) Models

Side Crib

The main feature is the ability to lower or remove the side wall to move it closer to the parent's bed. For maximum convenience and safety, such models usually allow for adjusting the height of the sleeping area and have special attachments for secure fixation near the adult bed. The special design solves the problem of night feedings and co-sleeping, as the baby learns and gets used to sleeping separately but is still within arm's reach, so parents don't have to get up to feed or soothe the baby. Most side cribs are designed for a weight of up to 9-15 kg, so they are usually used until 8-12 months. After that, compact cribs become cramped for the child, and they sleep more calmly and wake up less often. In any case, the age range depends on the size of the crib, the child's weight, and activity level.

The side crib has a removable side part, allowing it to be placed close to the parent's bed.

Pros:

  • solution for night feedings and co-sleeping

Cons:

  • short usage period
Popular Side Crib Models

Playpen-Crib

Another versatile option for a small child. These models can be used for both sleeping and playing, and many are equipped with a rocking mechanism, music boxes, a toy arch, etc. Playpen-cribs are often made foldable and positioned as a good option for occasional overnight stays outside the home — for example, if the child sometimes stays overnight with grandparents or travels with parents. However, they cannot be considered a full replacement for a bed, as they still fall short in terms of comfort and convenience.

The playpen-crib serves as both a sleeping area and a play zone.

Pros:

  • 2-in-1 - sleeping area and play zone
  • lightweight and easy to transport

Cons:

  • not a full replacement for a bed
Popular Playpen-Crib Models

Transformer

The most functional and versatile option for children of different ages. For the youngest, round transformer cribs are usually chosen, which expand as the baby grows, transforming from a round cradle into an oval, more spacious sleeping area and can last approximately up to 3 years. Many models are more multifunctional and can transform into a side model, playpen, children's sofa, or chairs with a table. However, due to the specific shape, it is challenging to find a suitable mattress for them, so it's better if it is included in the package.

The Angelo Transformer 7 in 1 model has 7 transformation options: oval crib, playpen, side crib, changing table, table and chairs, teenage bed.

There are also classic transformers. They usually have the ability to expand the sleeping area and are suitable for both small children and older ones (preschool and early school age). This design makes the furniture versatile and will serve you for many years. Often, transformer cribs are equipped with additional elements: a changing table, a chest of drawers, pull-out drawers, etc.

Most transformer cribs have additional equipment: a changing table, chest of drawers, pull-out drawers, etc.

Pros:

  • long usage period
  • budget savings

Cons:

  • finding a suitable mattress for round and oval models is challenging
Popular Transformer Cribs

In addition, for older children, the following options are possible:

  • Themed Teenage Bed. If a child is reluctant to switch to a more adult bed, furniture with an original design can help interest them: in the form of a car, airplane, princess carriage, etc. However, such beds will not be durable, as their design may soon become boring, and an older schoolchild will want something more serious.
  • Bunk Bed with sleeping places arranged one above the other will be a good option for families with twins, siblings, or children close in age.
  • Loft Bed — single models for teenagers that resemble bunk furniture, but with one sleeping place on top and a workspace (usually a table with various cabinets and drawers) below. This solution is especially relevant for small rooms.

Thus, the choice of bed type directly depends on the child's age:

  • 0 – 3 years. For the youngest, a safe crib or cradle with sides that protect against falls is necessary. If there is little space in the room, a transformer bed that can be expanded as the baby grows and matures is suitable.
  • From 3 years. At this age, the child can already sleep in a regular single bed. Themed models or a loft bed can help interest them, as for many, a sleeping place located on top will be a real fun. If there are two children in the family of approximately the same age, a bunk bed will be a good option.

2. Sizes

The necessary bed sizes also depend on age, as the older the child, the more space they need. At the same time, the larger the bed, the more space it takes up in the room. This issue is especially acute in the first six months of a baby's life — most parents place the crib in their room, next to the adult bed, to make it easier to get up to the baby at night. Therefore, for small rooms, a cradle or round transformer crib is suitable. Classic models, as we have already mentioned, are produced in standard sizes — 120x60 cm or 140x70 cm.

If the problem is not the room's area but the budget, buying a spacious bed can help save money. For example, a classic crib with a sleeping area length of 120 cm will last about 3-4 years, and a length of 140 cm — even longer. It is recommended that the bed be 15-20 cm longer than the child's current height to ensure comfort. But also keep in mind that children grow quickly, so if the furniture is purchased for a long term, a larger reserve is needed.

In addition, the crib should be wide enough for the child to be comfortable in it. This is especially true for small children who actively turn and roll over in their sleep. Also, consider the presence of warm pajamas, a blanket, and possibly favorite toys.

Popular Cribs with a Length of 120–125 cm

3. Materials

An important point is the materials from which the crib is made. The safest, most harmless, and environmentally friendly option is natural wood. Therefore, many manufacturers make furniture from this material. We advise choosing hard and, accordingly, durable types of wood — for example, oak, birch, beech, alder. Pine is a softer wood, cheaper, but prone to damage (dents, scratches, etc. may appear).

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and chipboard (particleboard) can also be used in production. MDF is considered a safer and more durable option, as chipboard can emit formaldehydes. Therefore, it is important that all materials have a quality certificate — well-known companies with a good reputation provide it without problems.

Another successful material is metal, which provides strength, stability, and durability. It is often used to make frames for cradles and side cribs, as the metal structure has a significant weight, and such models are the most compact due to the limited age range. In most cases, the metal frame is combined with a pleasant-to-touch fabric upholstery.

Budget cribs can be made of plastic, but this is far from the best material for furniture, as it is the least durable and long-lasting. Unless plastic is used for individual elements, not the entire structure.

The choice of materials directly affects the child's health and safety, so preference should be given to environmentally friendly and certified products. When buying, we recommend paying attention to the coating. Paints and varnishes for wood should be water-based and non-toxic. For metal, powder coating is the optimal option. In general, prefer cribs with hypoallergenic coating.

Popular Wooden Cribs

4. Crib Design and Features

Rocking Mechanism

Often, small children need rocking, so many cribs are equipped with a rocking mechanism. For this, the following are provided:

  • Runners — curved legs, like those of rocking chairs, that provide side-to-side rocking. This is the simplest option, but with its drawbacks. First, the baby can rock the crib themselves, which is unsafe when they start moving more actively. Second, classic runners cannot be locked. To solve this problem, we advise choosing models with runners and removable wheels, so that when they are locked, the crib remains stationary without rocking. Finally, active rocking of the runners can damage the floor covering.
  • Pendulum — a hinge mechanism that rocks only the sleeping area, while the base does not move. There are several types of pendulums:
    • transverse — rocking occurs left-right relative to the crib;
    • longitudinal — a pendulum that provides rocking along the crib's axis (head-feet) and thus imitates rocking the baby in arms;
    • universal — allows rocking the crib along, across, or in both directions, combining the capabilities of transverse and longitudinal pendulums.

Important! Pay attention to the reliability of the mechanism, the presence of locks, and the stability of the structure. The mechanism should operate silently so as not to disturb the child during sleep. The ability to lock the mechanism allows turning the crib into a stationary one when the child grows up.
From left to right: crib on runners, crib on legs, pendulum crib.

The most advanced models may have an automatic rocking system. In this case, the crib rocks itself, without the need to exert effort, thus saving parents' time and energy. This function is useful for small children, so it is often found in cradles. Many cribs with such a system also have the ability to adjust the rocking intensity and are supplemented with toys and musical accompaniment.

Sides

An important element of the crib's design is the end and side walls, which ensure the safety of a small child. There are several types of walls:

  • Slatted — the most common option among classic cribs and transformers made of wood. Narrow vertical slats prevent the baby from getting out of the crib and getting injured, but at the same time do not block the view of the sleeping area, allowing parents to observe the baby without bending over or even approaching the crib. However, when choosing such a design, we advise paying attention to the crib's location, as the slats do not protect the child from drafts. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the restless child to ensure they do not get stuck between the slats.
  • Solid — solid walls without cutouts and holes, made of fabric or wood. They are most often found on cradles, ensuring the infant's safety, as well as on beds for older children — these are usually small wooden walls that do not completely cover the sleeping area but at the same time prevent the child from accidentally falling out during sleep.
  • Mesh — often made as inserts on fabric upholstery and found among cradles and side cribs. These sections have several tasks — improving air circulation and providing visibility of the baby through the wall.

It is desirable for the side walls to have adjustments — this will significantly increase the convenience of use for parents:

  • opening side — convenient for accessing the infant, during bedding changes, and as the child grows, when they can independently lie down and get out of the crib.
  • removable side — performs the same functions but differs slightly in the principle of operation: part of the wall does not lower but is completely removed.
  • removable slats — another way to access the sleeping area by removing several slats.
  • height adjustment of the side — also facilitates access to the child, allowing for the adjustment of the wall's position.

Important! A drop-down side allows placing the crib close to the adult bed, so parents can soothe and feed the baby at night without getting out of bed. Such walls are found not only in side models but also in classic and transformers.
A removable wall allows placing the child's bed next to the adult's, thus facilitating night feedings.

Bottom

The crib's bottom can also have its settings, but this is only the possibility of height adjustment. This function is relevant for models designed for use over several years of the child's life. Initially, the bottom can be raised, as the infant cannot independently get out, and a high sleeping area allows parents not to bend over too much. As the child grows, the bottom needs to be lowered, thereby reducing the risk of falling and injury. Additionally, an adjustable bottom is necessary if you want to place the child's crib next to the parent's.

The ability to change the depth of the bottom installation is required only for small children approximately up to 2 years old, so it is found only in classic cribs, side cribs, cradles, and round transformers. Manufacturers offer two or more positions. However, keep in mind that if the bottom lowers only by 3-5 cm, this may not be enough for an active child.

It is desirable for the bottom to be made of slats rather than a solid board — this improves air circulation and reduces the risk of diaper rash and mold on the mattress.

Additional Equipment

Finally, when choosing a crib, pay attention to its additional equipment and functions, which can help save the family budget, properly organize space in a small room, and increase the comfort of the baby and parents. These can be:

  • mattress — ideally fits the size, eliminates the need to independently choose the optimal mattress, and, accordingly, additional expenses.
  • changing table — a special shelf for changing the baby. It is better if it is removable, as the need for changing the older child will eventually disappear.
  • chest of drawers — a cabinet for storing clothes, bedding, and other items. Most often found in loft beds and transformers.
  • linen drawer — a pull-out basket under the bottom, intended for storing items and toys.
  • mosquito net — protects the baby from mosquitoes and other insects. Usually found in models for the youngest — cradles and side cribs.
  • music box — a speaker for playing lullabies, music, and other soothing sounds that help the baby fall asleep faster.
  • light effects — colorful lights or projections on the ceiling, designed to entertain and distract the child.
  • silicone pads — "teethers" on the crib sides, useful during the baby's teething period.

5. Child Safety

Whatever type of crib you choose, it should be not only comfortable but also safe. This is especially true for furniture for small children, as the risk of accidental injuries for babies aged 2-3 years is much higher than for older ones. Therefore, we recommend paying attention to the following points:

  • The structure should be stable and reliable.
  • Materials should be treated with safe paints and varnishes without toxic substances.
  • The walls should be of sufficient height to prevent the child from falling, especially during active motor activity.
  • The optimal distance between the slats is about 6 centimeters — to prevent the child from getting stuck between the slats.
  • Choose a mattress according to the size of the sleeping area, as large gaps can become a trap for the baby.
  • Absence of protrusions, sharp corners, roughness, and chips that the child can get injured on.

6. What Else is Needed for the Crib

Finally, do not forget that the bed, in most cases, is just a bare frame. Therefore, you still need to purchase:

  • mattress (if not included in the set);
  • children's bedding set;
  • bumper — soft fabric pads on the side and end walls that protect the baby from bumps and injuries;
  • canopy (optional) — a thin fabric canopy that covers the sleeping area but itself becomes a place for dust collection.

Thus, the main criteria when buying a crib are comfort, safety, and functionality, and only after that come design and color. Approach the choice thoughtfully and seriously: first of all, assess how much free space is available in the room and how long you plan to use the bed.

  • If you want a compact model for an infant, a cradle or side crib is ideal. If you need an option with a service life of 3-4 years, we recommend a classic bed. If you need a bed with an even longer service life, consider transformers.
  • For busy parents whose budget allows for purchasing an expensive model, a cradle with an automatic rocking system and lullabies will be a good choice.
  • If there is not enough space in the room for other necessary furniture (changing table, chests of drawers, drawers), it is better to choose a transformer with all this equipment.
  • If you plan to move the child's bed to your own, a side or model with removable sides is suitable.
  • If there is a need to frequently change the crib's location, wheels are a must, preferably with locks.