Guide to Different Types of Cribs Available for Babies & Toddlers

Dec 31, 2010
Deborah Percy

Side removed to make toddler bed or day bed - D Percy

How big is a crib and what is the smallest for sale? What is the difference between a 2-in-1, a 3-in-1 and 4-in-1?

The choice of cribs and cradles can seem bewildering for first-time expectant parents. This article provides a guide to the terminology and sizes.

What Sizes of Crib are Available in the US & Canada?

A basinette is a cradle for a new born, they are available in many sizes and styles but the infant will outgrow it within six months or less.

A standard crib in the US is designed for a mattress size of approximately 52" x 28" which is bigger than a European cot mattress in both length and width and is nearer the size of a European toddler bed. European companies such as Ikea make their cribs and mattresses larger in order to sell in the US.

Standard sized cribs include those described as 2 in 1, 3 in 1 and 4 in 1 and toddler beds, such as those made by Storkcraft.

Portable, fold-away, travel cribs may be smaller than the standard size. The Graco Pack'n'Play travel cribs are extremely popular not just for travel and occasional use but for use in homes with limited space. They are about 39" x 29" but will vary according to the model.

Traditional-style, wooden fold-away cribs are a smaller option for those budgeting with limited space and money, they take a mattress of 38" x 24". .

What is a 2-in-1, 3-in-1 and 4-in1 Crib?

It would seem that Americans want to get the best value for money from nursery products by having the one product do many things, this may mean the crib can:

be used as a play-yard
convert into a toddler bed by loosing the side rails
convert into a day bed by loosing one of the side rails
convert into a larger bed or the side rails can be used as traditional head and foot boards on a "normal" bed.

A Two in One Crib is both a crib and a place for the baby to play.

A Three in One Crib means the crib can be converted a toddler bed with a special toddler rail or one or the crib rails can be removed thereby creating a daybed.

A Four in One Crib has the same possibilities as above, it is a crib for infants which can become a toddler bed or a daybed. It also has the possibility that the side rails can be used as a head and foot board on a big bed. This is particularly a common feature of sleigh style cribs.

When Will Baby Be Too Big for the Bassinette?

Newborn infants might initially be put to sleep in a bassinette, this might be just for the first few weeks or up to about six months if the bassinette is large enough. Baby can no longer sleep in a bassinette when he or she shows signs of trying to pull themselves up at the sides, at around six months of age.

When Will Baby Outgrow a Crib or Toddler Bed?

Baby must be moved from a crib when he or she is able to climb out of it, for safety reasons, this will be at about two-years-of-age. If a side can be removed for it to be converted to an American sized toddler bed then a child of three or four should be able to sleep in it.

Should I Buy a Standard Crib or Convertible?

Convertible cribs are often more expensive and are a big commitment, as in, one is making a decision about a child's future bed for years to come. Changes in the family could make the convertible bed impractical and redundant. Some convertible cribs, on the other hand, can represent excellent value for money so it is worth shopping around.