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6 Things to Look for When Buying a Baby Crib (2026)

shieldRachel calendar_todayJun 27, 2022 updateUpdated Jun 16, 2026 schedule5 min read verifiedFact-checked
6 Things to Look for When Buying a Baby Crib (2026)

Saving money on things look when buying does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.

Key Takeaways

  • Share with your friends!FacebookPinterestMessengerWhatsAppEmailShareFlipboardRedditSMSX Image source: Pixabay If you are expecting, you prob...
  • However, one of the most important things to buy is a crib.
  • That’s where they will spend so much of their early life.
Share with your friends!PinterestMessengerWhatsAppFlipboardRedditSMS Image source: Pixabay

If you are expecting, you probably have lists and lists of things you need to purchase before the baby arrives, like a stroller, diapers, clothes, baby formula, and numerous others.

However, one of the most key things to purchase is a crib. That’s where they will spend so much of their early life. Plus if they aren’t sleeping, it makes it so much tougher on you!

In this article, we will show you the most key aspects to consider when shopping for a baby crib.

Table of Contents

1. When buying a crib test the Stability

This is the most key thing for any crib or bed. If it is not stable, then you will not feel safe to leave your baby to sleep in that crib. To see if the crib has stability, you should look for a durable material and a sturdy design.

Also, make sure to shake the crib before you purchase it from the store.

If you are purchasing the crib online and you are the one that puts it together, make sure that you use all the pieces you received in the box with the crib.

Even though your baby is small and doesn’t weigh much, they grow fast and tend to move around a lot before falling asleep. This is why you need a stable, sturdy crib.

2. Frame Size

Make sure that the frame size fits a regular crib mattress. It should be about 51 ¾ inch long and 27 3/8 inch wide. Make sure that the space between the frames is big enough to fit a crib mattress.

However, it shouldn’t be larger than that because that extra space is dangerous for a small baby. They could hurt themselves and even get trapped.

It is best to purchase the mattress at the same time you purchase the crib. Some cribs come with a mattress that fits them. There are two common models: foam and innerspring mattress.

Both types are between 3 and 6 inches thick. 3.

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3. Consider buying a crib with a changing station

Having a changing station built into the crib is very convenient. The added space also gives you shelves and drawers for all of the things you will need access to constantly.

4. Adjustable Mattress Height

Some cribs allow you to change the height of the mattress by lowering or raising the support that holds the mattress. As your child grows and starts to stand up they will be able to climb out of the crib.

If you are able to adjust the height of the mattress you can make it harder for your baby to climb out of the crib.

For better or worse we taught our twins to rock climb. So climbing out of their cribs was way too simple. We ended up buying these crib tents to stop our kids from climbing out of their cribs. They work excellent, and oddly enough our girls actually like them.

If you are trying to figure out how to stop your child from climbing out of their cribs, then try a crib tent.

5. No Fluffy Things in the crib

Never put fluffy things inside the crib. Babies are not supposed to sleep on fluffy mattresses or covers as they can boost the risk of suffocation. It is best to stick to a heavy and durable mattress and a simple toy for the baby to sleep with.

During the day you can add different hanging toys that make sounds or play music. However, when the baby is older than 6 months, those toys need to be removed because they could injure themselves.

6.   Get a versatile crib

Another key thing to look for in a crib is versatility. Nowadays, numerous cribs are designed to be able to turn into a daybed, a toddler bed, or a play area.

If you want to purchase a bed that is versatile make sure to check reviews online and see if it is simple to convert the bed into something else. Also, remember that any convertible furniture is more expensive than regular ones.

In Conclusion: What To Look For When Buying a Crib

These are just some of the things you should look for when you purchase a crib for your baby. It is also key to have a budget and stick to it because we all know how cute baby things can be.

So, make sure that you don’t spend too much on cute baby clothes as those are the least key because a baby grows very fast.

Don’t forget to setup your baby registry!

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check things look when buying against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at chachingqueen.com.

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Written & reviewed by

Rachel

Our editorial team researches and verifies every money-saving guide before publishing. Editorial policy · About us

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