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Crib Styles

Jul 19, 2011 | By Sarah Bourque
Crib Styles
Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Choosing a crib for your baby is an important decision. You might be offered a family heirloom or hand-me-down crib, or find a good deal on a used crib. Whether you're choosing a used or new crib, evaluate your crib carefully for safety. In June 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission changed its safety guidelines for cribs, so all new cribs need to meet stricter standards. Drop-side cribs are no longer allowed, tougher testing is required, and slats, hardware and mattress supports must now more durable, according to the CPSC website. Choose you crib based on safety, convenience and value.

Combo Cribs

A combo crib combines a baby crib with an attached baby changing table. This choice can save room and add convenience to your nursery --- when your baby wakes up with a wet diaper, his changing table will be directly next to the crib. Changing tables should be at a high enough level to keep you from straining your back while changing a diaper or dressing your baby. Changing tables feature waterproof covers and belts for safety and typically have plenty of storage space underneath for diapers, wipes and toiletries.

Mini Cribs

Miniature cribs are, as the name suggests, smaller versions of full-size models, making them an appropriate choice for a small nursery or shared room. Many mini cribs fold up easily, making them easier to bring along when traveling. Mini cribs often have wheels and fit through doors so you can move them from room to room easily. You usually won't be stuck with a small crib when choosing a mini crib; most are adjustable in size and some even can convert into toddler or twin beds. Choosing a mini crib will not limit your style options, either --- they are available in round and traditional rectangle shapes and in varying colors of wood or metal.

Eco-Friendly Cribs

Eco-friendly cribs are designed to be good for the planet and your baby. Eco-friendly cribs are made with materials that keep the environment in mind. Sustainable or recycled wood such as pine, birch, bamboo, and oak are sometimes used, or materials like medium-density fibreboard that are made from recycled materials, the Inhabitots website reports. Eco-friendly cribs can be good for baby, too, often featuring finishes that are non-toxic and have few or no volatile organic compounds.

Convertible Cribs

Convertible cribs can be a smart investment. Different options are available, but the typical convertible crib starts as a baby crib, with different mattress positioning options. The baby crib can convert to a day bed when one long side is removed, or a toddler bed when both long sides are removed; the long rails can often be used as head and foot boards for a twin bed.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jul 19, 2011

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