Choosing more reasonably priced cribs...

amd1982 · August 2012

So originally when I found out we were pg, my mother and I ran down the street to this adorable baby boutique and picked out a gorgeous Munire crib. Being our first child and their first grandchild, we figured picking out a nicer crib was ok. But at $600, it's a stretch (and unnecessary) to purchase two, especially when I feel like there are other cribs on the market that are just as safe, nice and comfortable but at a better price point.

I did some reading in the Baby Bargains book, and they gave the Graco cribs (I think around $150) a good rating, along with Ikea (although our Ikea is 1.5 hours away, so I don't know about that). Then on a BRU trip, my mother and I noticed a nice Carter's crib for about $229. Baby Bargains gave them a rating of a B, so pretty decent. Just want to know if any MoM's have recommendations for cribs that are priced well? I also am thinking that spending a ton of money on cribs that turn into fulls might not be worth it in the long run...after all, it's like picking out furniture 10 years in advance.

nghithy · August 2012

I was just like you when I first got pregnant. I wanted potarry Barn crib for 600. I also wanted the bugaboo 1k stroller. I'm glad I didn't go crazy and settle for 200 crib from BRU. Everyone thinks its adorable and no one care were its from. Now that I'm pregnant again with twins I have to buy two more so we went to Ikea and got 2 cribs that 99 each. Works just the same. There's so many hidden cost that will come at you. Save it for diaper and formula. My daughter's formula cost 250 per month and diaper was approximately 50 to 100.

lovekatespade · August 2012

We are planning to purchase the IKEA cribs. I've heard nothing but good things about them, and we figure they only have to last 2 years, as opposed to being re-used through 2-3 children. Also, since our LOs will be sharing a room for a while, the full-size conversion is unnecessary- they wouldn't all fit! Just something else to consider, HTH!

BananaPancake · August 2012

We will be doing Ikea cribs and then moving them into a twin together around 3 and then one of them will go into the top bunk at 4 or 5. We kind of operate on efficiency over quality around here, so we do only what will work until the next stage. I can't see us being the "convertible crib" types, so we will probably pass the cribs along or put them in the attic when the baby stage is over.

jquirke9881 · August 2012

We have been using the Graco Lauren crib for 2 years and have no complaints. We are getting another one this time around.

macchiatto · August 2012

I think the Graco and Ikea cribs are both good options. We wanted Ikea cribs but at the time the closest Ikea was 4 hrs away and the shipping would've cost more than the cribs.

We do have a Graco crib and have been very happy with it.

Brummy14 · August 2012

We went with the Graco Lauren cribs (also well reviewed in Baby Bargains), and they were easy to assemble, seem to be quite sturdy -- will have to see how they hold up once the babies get here!

CGoldman96 · August 2012

We ended up getting Gracos. The babes haven't arrived yet, but they look nice and seem sturdy. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-Freeport-Classic-4-in-1-Convertible-Crib-Classic-White/16221664

erniebufflo · August 2012

Ours are BabyMod from WalMart. Good looking, Eco friendly, sturdy, and $200.

Temp6313048411121614 · August 2012

I've had Baby's Dream (Kathryn) and Baby Italia cribs. Both were very nice (the Baby's Dream was nicer IMO). I also had 2 Walmart cribs when the twins first came home and they were total junk. I thought they were cute but never got to test them out in the store, when I'd gently pull on the slats, you could hear the "wood" cracking. First, they all have to pass the same minimum safety standards, other than that, I'd push/pull/wiggle them around in the store and see what you like the feel of best and what seems sturdiest. Good luck.

amh04 · August 2012

We opted for Nursery 101 Cribs - Not sure on the bargain books rating. They both convert to toddler beds. We figured that when they are older they'd probably rather have bunk beds then twin/full size beds. Ours were $95 each, while we haven't used them, they are assembled and they feel extremely sturdy.

Target has some Graco cribs on sale for $129 and I believe they convert from crib to toddler to full size bed.

srbmvp · August 2012

I love our Graco Lauren crib, super sturdy and safe, super easy to put together, only about $150. In fact, I loved it so much we bought a 2nd one!

DS1 is still in the crib, but we'll be moving the babies out of our room soon and into their cribs. Then they will stay in them as toddler beds before eventually going to bunk beds down the road.

We should be able to get several years of use out of the convertible cribs though, so definitely an affordable option.

mrsemily08 · August 2012

We have Graco Lauren cribs and they are fine. I'd rather have a nice stroller(s) than a fancy crib.

LucyRicardo3 · August 2012

Another thumbs up for Graco cribs.

I recently had to replace my older hand-me-down drop side cribs (Baby Italia) after we moved and the parts/bolts got lost. I don't remember the Graco style name, but I got them from Target at $119 a piece on clearance. They are extremely sturdy.

The only negative, I ended up getting espresso since it was all they had on hand and I needed them ASAP, but I noticed this morning where Joy has been teething on one side of the top rail and has scratched the finish. I'm guessing a white or natural colored crib wouldn't show that.

KDR1979 · August 2012

All cribs have to meet the same safety rating. We knew we wouldn't want to convert to a full bed in the future (we'll buy them a nice twin bed set when they're older). We bought the Graco Sarah cribs from walmart.com for like $115-130 each. Our mattresses cost more (soybean mattress recommended on Baby Bargains). They look nice (we got espresso finish). We will use them as toddler beds in the future too.

chickaboo1974 · August 2012

I have the IKEA Gulliver cribs. They have been great- I don't use the IKEA mattresses. Oh and we also got a Hemnes 8 drawer dresser for their room- all very sturdy and nice.

Even if we only had a singleton I would have bought a IKEA crib- IMHO convertible cribs are a waste.

projectbaby2012 · August 2012

We bought cribs from IKEA. They are sturdy and I've had a lot of friends who have used these cribs and have been happy with them. DH and I both agree that we'd rather save money now and spend more later when getting their next bedroom sets. I hope they want to share a room later on, I've been eyeing bunk beds.

Temp123197812503460 · August 2012

We went with ikea cribs, the modern lines fit with our style. And i like that you can remove the side anduse them as toddler beds without buying anything else, I figure this way I can use these which take up less space for quite a while. Like a Pp said, I'd rather (and did) spend more to get a couple nice strollers where IMO you do get more when you pay more, and save on the cribs

bearfootz · August 2012

We figured that since the cribs might only get one use we would go the more affordable route vs making an investment. We purchased the Graco Lauren cribs. Originally we had looked at BRU b/c if you buy two they'll give you the multiples discount - but it was still less expensive to go through Walmart. They were easy enough to assemble and I think they looked nice.

But I failed to get teething guards so my little woodchucks did a number on the rails - easier to stomach when I know I paid just over $100 for them vs. dropping the big money on a fancy crib. We also converted the cribs to toddler beds before switching to twin beds. I think we got our money's worth.

sugacattey · August 2012

The nice thing is that no matter which retailer you purchase from or how expensive they are, they all must meet the same governmental safety standards so you know your babies will be perfectly safe in any of them (so long as they aren't second-hand).

That being said, we went with the Ikea Sundvik (sp?) cribs. They are pretty, easy to assemble and didn't break the bank.

The nearest IKEA to us is several hours away and the shipping is pricey but there is a company in my town who makes regular trips to the nearest store to pick up everyone's orders and then adds a percentage on top of that as their fee. It was considerably less than the shipping cost and they were great to work with. You might see if there is a similar service in your area. I hope this helps!

KarlsSweetie05 · August 2012

We got 2 Graco Lauren cribs at Target on clearance last year for $65 each. Color was being discontinued.

They are still a great bargain at current price of $150. Actually, its on sale this week at Target.com for $142. Several colors to choose from. No compliants. Easy to put together.

https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=graco+lauren+crib&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories

Walmart will sometimes offer the Graco Lauren crib + free mattress for $150.

Jen0204 · August 2012

We went with a 3 in 1 crib that was being discontinued (just that particular model was being replaced with a newer model) and with the twins discount at BRU got both cribs for $180. They're sturdy and look nice, and convert into toddler beds. We bought them really early - around 12 weeks I think - because we found this steal and couldn't pass it up.

regenab · August 2012

I had 2 Ikea cribs and they were great. I loved the fact that they sat lower on the floor and since I am only 5'2" it was easier for me to reach in and get the babies when they were smaller and couldn't stand up for me to get them. Also my cribs converted into little toddler beds for them later. I think I paid like $120 for each crib (at the most) and we used each one for 4 years. I got my moneys worth out of those cribs.

But IKEA was only a 15 min. drive for us. Since you are 1.5 hours away, I would look at the price of the crib with gas money to drive there and back, compare that to ordering them online and paying to have the crib shipped to your house and finally compare that to the price of a Graco crib you can get locally. Since they are all good options for you, I think it would come down to price for me.

You want to save as much as you can now because you will have a lot of cost come up that first year. I got my mattresses from Walmart (sealy or serta, can't remember) for the cribs and they held up really well and lasted the whole 4 years. I even sold both my toddler beds and mattresses at a yard sale a couple of months ago and got $30 for each bed with mattress, so I got some money back.

kelandspence2012 · August 2012

I bought a Graco Stanton 4 in 1 crib (in espresso )from walmart.com for 153.00 and it included a kolcraft mattress !!! Very nice and sturdy ! I also bought a Graco freeport 4 in 1 crib with mattress for 139.00 ! We also ordered one for my nephew and his wife who are expecting a baby in October ! I just typed in Graco stanton bundle ! Just thought that I would post this just in case someone needs to find a nice affordable crib ! These cribs also have good reviews !

Ruthie04 · August 2012

erniebufflo:
Ours are BabyMod from WalMart. Good looking, Eco friendly, sturdy, and $200.

This! The Walmart ones look so nice and I read on a baby bargains website that they are made by the same company as the D.avinci cribs. We haven't used them yet, but they are very easy to assemble and feel pretty sturdy. They were $200 apiece and came with the toddler bed conversion kit (no additional cost to buy the kit).

BabyKsMommy · August 2012

Sorry, I thought I was on nurseries and baby gear, lolnbsp;I also have a graco lauren. I really like it and its sturdy. I have been using it for a year now with no problems. My son sleeps great in it, what more can ya ask for?nbsp;I don't think we will ever convert it to a full bed but I will use it as a toddler bed hen pass it down to the next baby. I would make sure to get teething rails as your LO gets teeth. They will chew on the rails like crazy!

trish3905 · August 2012

jquirke9881:
We have been using the Graco Lauren crib for 2 years and have no complaints. We are getting another one this time around.

This exactly!

April320 · August 2012

We have Graco Lauren cribs and are very happy with them.

karebearmccroar · August 2012

We went the fancy crib route for DS. Not necessary! Now I've wised up and we are going with Graco Lauren cribs. Heard good things about IKEA brand cribs, but they are MUCH shorter than the Gracos. DH and I are both tall and so the Gracos make a lot more sense. GL!

keg · August 2012

chickaboo1974:
I have the IKEA Gulliver cribs. They have been great- I don't use the IKEA mattresses. Oh and we also got a Hemnes 8 drawer dresser for their room- all very sturdy and nice.

Even if we only had a singleton I would have bought a IKEA crib- IMHO convertible cribs are a waste.

Ditto this (including the dresser and non-Ikea mattress). Ours have been in use for over 3.5 years and are in great shape!

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