what type of crib is better, one with a stationary side or adjustable side?

Question

this is our first baby and we are in the market for a crib, but can't decide what type and how much to spend. are there safety concerns to be noted with either?

Answer 1

I have four kids, and I've never once lowered the sides on our crib! When they're newborns I adjusted the mattress to the highest level. Lowered it when they learned to roll over, and then lowered it to the bottom when they learn to sit. As long as your crib meets saftey standards, it doesn't matter how much. The cheap ones won't last as long as the others, but it doesn't make it less safe. The 80 dollar one would get through one kid, but I wouldn't trust it again after that.

Answer 2

I have a 3 month old and have a stationary side crib. I have never had a problem placing my baby in it. The mattress is set at the middle position (it could go higher if I wanted it to). Cribs can be expensive, I know. We chose to purchase one that will convert into a toddler's bed and also into an adult "full" size bed. They called this a "Lifetime Crib". For the full size bed conversion additional pieces are required ($60). We bought ours from USA Baby for about $300-400 if I remember correctly, I'm think that is about mid price range for this type. We justified the cost because our son will be able to use it for many years, not just for his baby years. The brand is called Baby's Dream Furniture and I definitely recommend them. The cribs (and all their furniture) are made from all wood instead of wood composite.

As for safety issues, all new cribs sold in the US have to meet the same safety standards. The only thing I think you'd have to worry about with an adjustable side crib would be pinched fingers if your not watching where those little fingers are when you're moving the side.

And remember many stores don't keep all the cribs and other furniture like a gliding chair in stock if you chose certain finishes and fabrics. And that can take up to 10 weeks to come in.

Good luck shopping, and Congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy!

Answer 3

I'm 5'2" and we got our crib through JCPenney. The side is stationary but has 2 positions and the mattress has 4 positions. So when each kid was a newborn we had mattress at top setting side at low setting and had no issues with getting the baby in or out (at those settings the bar was only about 8-10 inches above the baby). As each grew we just kept moving the settings for safety. I've been using the crib continuously for about 5 years now with no struggles.

Answer 4

This is just my opinion- I am only 5 ft tall, and having an adjustable crib was totally necessary for me (along with adjusting the mattress height for the baby, according to her size). I also ended up having a C-section, and bending, turning, moving in general hurt quite a bit (I'm a total wimp.) Picture me on tip-toes, trying to not bend as I laid my infant down into crib-it didn't work well. I ended up keeping the baby in a bassinet (which was WONDERFUL) next to the bed (and rolled it all through the house) for the first 3 months, and then switched to the crib. I know there are different types of adjustable cribs (foot-release, push release, and hand release, possibly others?) I had the kind that you push in with your hip, and then release, and after using my in-laws foot-release, I much preferred that. I suggest that you actually try out the crib you are interested in, and use a heavy purse or object to simulate the baby in one arm. We also chose a crib that transitioned to a toddler bed, so my daughter used it for about 3 years, and it made the investment much more cost effective. Picking from a catalog, or looking at options bolted down on the upper racks really aren't too helpful-you'll mainly be buying for looks in that case. There are a lot of pricey ones on the market that really didn't seem too much better (function-wise) than some of the more moderately priced ones, especially once we actually tried them out. As far as safety concerns, if you buy new (I recommend) it has to conform to current safety standards. Just make sure that you assemble it, and use it according to the instructions (as with all baby gear, especially bedding). I also strongly recommend that you register your purchase (and all baby purchases) with the manufacturer, as they will contact you if an item is recalled, or potentially defective. Best of luck to you and Congratulations!

Answer 5

i would go for the easiest one to assemble and unassemble/store as possible!! That's just my own experiece though!

If you decide for one that is adjustable, go for one that slides up and down quietly without needing to be a contortionist to press buttons and bring it down/up. I would try as many display models as possible.

Also - look out to make sure there won't be any sharp bolts/metal loops sticking out that will possibly injure you while you put the crib skirt and bedding on it!!

I'm not crazy about the kind that "suspend" the mattress - go for one as sturdy and quality made as possible - also make sure the distance between the rails is the recommended distance for safety.

All in all though, the baby will sleep in anything - my son slept in a stroller his first two weeks because UPS lost the crib that was being shipped to me!!

Best of Luck to You!

Answer 6

You will want an adjustable side, and also an adjustable level for the matress, so you can set it up higher when baby is just born and lower so the roughen can't escape. All new cribs meet saftey standards just don't buy used.

Answer 7

well I got mine from toys R us and it is a white one from jenny Linn and it has adjustable sides. It is very durable not very expensive ( it also converts) it was only 110 dollars and I bought the matching changing table with it and it is great also ( $60) I like the adjustable sides because when she was newborn till she was able to pull her self up I let the sides at a low position ( to help me having to bend over and reach inside( hard after a while) I then put them back up when she got older and it is great.

I mean it converts to a toddler bed

Answer 8

Adjustable cribs are very convenient allowing you to lower the rail and tend to your child. We absolutely loved ours because of this feature. Just remember to always let the rail back up when done just in case your baby decides that she wants to roll.

Answer 9

I never use the drop side, it is too noisey and hard to use.

I mostly co sleep though, and I have a second crib with one side removed attached to my bed to give us more room. That works great.

Answer 10

adjustable sides can cause a lot less back pain. you can lower the sides to lift the baby in and out. if you've ever liftd 20 ls over yourshoulders, you will understand. Go for the adjustable sides, thebaby won't be strong enough to lower them.