Can we talk about cribs for a minute...

littlemissmarla · March 2014

now that we are getting more focused on the baby room, i need to stop and figure out the crib situation. WHY are some cribs $500+ .. am I missing something, is there a reason why I need to buy a crib that expensive? Of course they are beautiful and they have fancy names and special finishes .. but is there some other reason as to why I need to blow my budget on a fancy pants crib? I was checking out walmart, target.. etc (big box stores) and they have some really great deals on furniture - like crib + changer under $300..and that is more my speed. The only thing i'm concerned about is that a lot of these online furniture pieces that i love, i can't go to the store and check them out.. so i can only go by online reviews. So i'm wondering what all of you ladies are doing for cribs or baby room furniture.. are you going the more affordable route or going all out and spending the big $$$. Also, for STMs - if you purchased a convertible/lifetime crib (assuming your not using if for #2?) have you used it in the next stages? thanks!

lizzybeth13 · March 2014

I had picked out a $200 crib from Babies R Us online. Loved the look, the reviews were good but not great, etc. When we actually went into the store to check it out, it was flimsy and I hated it. I just decided to spend more on the crib since we are planning on getting a convertible to use in later stages - the one we picked out is $400, but it's nice and sturdy and I feel like it will do well as Bean gets older. But, I'm a FTM too, so maybe I'm crazy.

RJHarmon · March 2014

I have 2 Graco cribs (they are really inexpensive but very well made), They are both getting used for toddler beds and no further. The only reason that I am not using them beyond that is because my kids want something different. I couldn't imagine spending a ton of money on a crib. Seems like a huge waste to me.

Nichole8787 · March 2014

I googled all of this info because I was wondering the same thing. I mean really cribs at $1000! That is a bit crazy. We decided to go with a set from target. I checked all the safety features etc. Before registering for it. I would be wary of second hand cribs but only because of the recall.

lowerygirl · March 2014

I bought a convertible crib from Babies R Us. It was on sale and we got it for $179 plus $99 for the conversion kit. We definitely plan on converting it when the time comes.

hope1017 · March 2014

I'm in your shoes as well. I saw the cribs at walmart online that comes with the mattress but not too sure how sturdy they are and we are in a close budget. I will spend more then what I am willing to spend just for the safety of my baby but still undecided as to what crib, hopefully I can get some suggestions.

kjskjs · March 2014

Charlotte is still in her convertible crib and we will use it as she gets bigger. We are looking to buy a new set for this little boy but I'm going the in between route. For me it's more about the look and not the price.

bopeys · March 2014

With my first we spent around $400 but I went to IKEA for second baby and spent just under $100. We love the IKEA crib so much we're using it again this third, probably final, time around.

littlemissmarla · March 2014

lizzybeth13 said:

I had picked out a $200 crib from Babies R Us online. Loved the look, the reviews were good but not great, etc. When we actually went into the store to check it out, it was flimsy and I hated it. I just decided to spend more on the crib since we are planning on getting a convertible to use in later stages - the one we picked out is $400, but it's nice and sturdy and I feel like it will do well as Bean gets older. But, I'm a FTM too, so maybe I'm crazy.

that is exactly what i'm afraid of! i mean i guess i can always return it but it will really suck to get a crib that i love the way it looks.. put it together and decide it's not up to my standards especially regarding flimsiness .. lol i guess i better order something soon so i have enough time if i need to return it

Erin1510 · March 2014

I know! Some are crazy expensive. We decided on an IKEA crib that looks great, has sturdy construction, and only costs $119!

littlemissmarla · March 2014

ashleysyn2 said:

We bought a $500 convertible crib for DD from a specialty baby store because I thought it was pretty. She basically teethed her way through the stain on the front rail, so it's not so pretty anymore. We are using it as a daybed now, but I wish we hadn't wasted so much money on a big chew toy.

This time we're going with the IKEA Gulliver convertible cribs which I believe were $115 each. They are definitely not as elaborate, but I don't really care as much this time.

i'm so glad you wrote this, i feel like this totally justifies what i was thinking and considering when buying a crib.. i don't want to shell out $500 on a really nice teether!

haha

PregsMcSnoozalot · March 2014

I watched craigslist like a hawk for 2 months until I found a great deal on a crib. I got an unused Graco "Sarah" convertible crib (no scratches, dents, or bite marks!) with "Pediatric 2000" mattress for $90. They bought it for the MIL's house, but it was too big for the space she had, so they sold it to me for a fraction of retail.

I was able to research the products before going to pick them up, so I knew they were not recalled or anything

It's a pain to scour craigslist every day, but it saved me $200!

dobbyisfree · March 2014

The Graco Lauren crib is less than 200 at BRU and is a recommended buy on consumer reports. I definitely dont think spending a ton is necessary.

Eener31 · March 2014

I picked out a mini crib for around $200 because we live in a small space.

littlemissmarla · March 2014

PregsMcSnoozalot said:

I watched craigslist like a hawk for 2 months until I found a great deal on a crib. I got an unused Graco "Sarah" convertible crib (no scratches, dents, or bite marks!) with "Pediatric 2000" mattress for $90. They bought it for the MIL's house, but it was too big for the space she had, so they sold it to me for a fraction of retail.

I was able to research the products before going to pick them up, so I knew they were not recalled or anything

It's a pain to scour craigslist every day, but it saved me $200!

that price ridiculous especially with the mattress included!!!! jealous!

Kohler2009 · March 2014

We spent a pretty penny in DS's bedroom set (4-in-1 convertible crib, dresser, hutch, and nightstand- all Munire). While the quality is great and it's a strong wood that will hopefully last many, many years, this time around, we went with two Graco Macie cribs for the twins. Ordered them thru BRU.com and the total was $250. Also ordered a Graco dresser. Since they will be sharing a room, we couldn't get anything massive (like DS's furniture) and to be honest, we didn't want to pay that much again. I out the cribs together yesterday and they appear to be a good quality. They are not as solid as the Munire crib but they will get the job done for the next few years. They convert to toddler bed and at that point we will reassess the sleeping situation and go from there for big boy beds

helloblueeyes · March 2014

If it weren't for the fact that my SIL is giving us her crib (it's less then 2 years old and barely used) i would have just bought one from IKEA.

drunkenhandstand · March 2014

We had a nice $400 crib with my first two boys but we gave it away, along with all other baby stuff. So this time I'm accepting a free hand me down from my friend. No clue what it even looks like. All I heard was "free."

[Deleted User] · March 2014

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kwh33ls · March 2014

I have a gorgeous twin bed for when LO is big enough, so I didn't feel the need to buy a crib that'll last till she's 15 or anything. I went the IKEA option - we got a very nice crib, changing table, dresser, and the requisite WAY TOO MUCH CRAP for under $350. I'd rather save my money for day care...

Aab7114 · March 2014

I purchased a dresser, changer, and convertible crib from the Delta Eclipse collection. I went with whatever store was cheaper at the time for each piece, so crib came from Walmart and other two came from amazon. I am very happy with these pieces. Everything is solid wood (for the most part) and very very sturdy. All three cost me $500, which isn't bad I thought. You can also find the collection at target, sears, kmart, shopko and I am sure a few other places. Reviews vary, but I figured I could always return them if I didn't like it.

unaveragejane · March 2014

I had no idea where to start with furniture shopping for DS, so I used the Baby Bargains book. It explained a lot about the differences in where and how companies manufacture their cribs and the materials used. From what I remember, some of the low-end models use particle board and MDF, and as they off-gas they can release toxins into the nursery. The same goes with the stains/varnishes. We went with a mid-grade solid wood set from BRU and got it (and the mattress) around 22 weeks so that it would have plenty of time to air out before DS slept in there. It may not have really mattered a hill of beans, but it gave me a little more peace of mind.

krdesi · March 2014

I got a Graco crib for $150. All cribs have to go by the safety standards set, so my cheaper crib is supposed to be just as safe as a $500 crib would be.

argonne · March 2014

We have a $200 crib from Babies R' Us. DS used it (he's now in an Ikea bed) and we will use it for this one. The only issue we had with it is that the bolts loosen and it gets wobbly. A little bit of loctite solved that problem quickly and cheaply. It's a convertible, but we have never converted it.

pfeilele · March 2014

We have a davinci jenny Lind crib for DS. It's fairly solid and was $220 or something for that and changing table. For this one, we found a Europa baby crib on sale but they couldn't order it so we bought the incredibly sturdy floor model for $150. It's a convertible, but I don't plan on using it as one. For us, it was silly to spend a ton because I want to get really nice "forever" furniture when they are no longer using the toddler/daybed part of their crib. I also don't really like the look of most conversions to a full sized bed.

abunai523 · March 2014

We registered for a Graco $140 convertible crib at BRU. Honestly when we were in there checking them out, I just could not see why the expensive ones would be worth it. The Graco is still plenty nice, and style-wise I actually like it better because of its simplicity. We picked out a good quality mattress, so I think it'll be just fine.

hminer4 · March 2014

I am going for the Davinci Jenny Lind Crib in sunshine this time around ($270 with toddler rail included).

For DD we bought a $400 jenny lind style crib that just looked a little sturdier than the Davinci one but since then I have seen the Davinci one in person and love it. Morale of the story - you don't need to spend a ton to get a quality crib! Lesson learned!

cuntasaurusrex · March 2014

I was looking at a set from BRU that I *loved* the look of. It was going to cost us about $1100 for the crib/changer combo plus the matching dresser. However, every time I've been to BRU since we picked it out, I've taken a look, and have noticed the crazy wear and tear it gets. It's a VERY soft wood that you can dent easily with a nail, and the finish seems to just be a laminate, which IMO isn't going to last long. Turns out it's made of pine, which yeah, with a convertible crib, I'm not interested in. If it were a $150 crib I'd reconsider.

That said, we found a baby store near us over the weekend with a great stock of beechwood and birch furniture that are sold at similar prices. We're about 80% sure we're going to go in that direction, even though I can't find something exactly like the design of the one we liked at BRU. I'd rather sacrifice my aesthetic preference for something that'll last until LO is a teenager.

ETA: It also helps that my parents are intent on purchasing our nursery furniture, and want us to have some nice quality stuff, and I am willing to indulge them

taylorjeanne84 · March 2014

We have one picked out that we really, really like...but it's $500.

It's a really pretty colored wood that I haven't found anywhere else, but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't shop around a little more...

ahjahbaba · March 2014

We got our crib from IKEA. $120, 2 adjustable heights and convertible to a toddler bed. I figure I'm sure the baby/toddler will find some way to eat, draw on or otherwise destroy. I won't feel guilt for spending $500+ when they do

flmomof4 · March 2014

We got DD's crib for $100. It was on sale at BRU. I think retail was around $200. We got a second crib this time since DD still uses hers. Same thing, $200 crib on sale for $100 at BRU. DD's crib is very solid and sturdy, and I think it's cute too. The cheap ones are just as safe so we found one we liked the look of and saved the money.

INmommy871278 · March 2014

We bought the delta eclipse crib for DS and will be using it for this LO too. We got it from kmart after I did lots of research and in store checks. We spent $180 for both the crib and mattress. It is definitely more sturdy than a lot I saw at BRU, but I'm able to move it put together in my own to sweep under it or get toys out from under it.

dobbyisfree · March 2014

We ended up paying a little more than I originally planned - We got the Pottery Barn Kids Kendall crib (came yesterday!) Because we just liked it a lot in person. Its very sturdy (and we want to put 3 babes in it) (not at the same time) Its the simplest of their cribs and it comes in a natural finish - not dark or white, which I was sick of seeing. Plus, they will let you buy a wood sample (refundable if you return it within 30 days) which we took to our fav furniture store and compared to their dressers to find a match we liked that was reasonable and durable. Ill get a dresser and a chest for the same price as 1 PBK chest and delivery is included from the furniture place. The crib ended up being slightly more than 400 with tax and delivery.

Ylvelill · March 2014

Going for the sundvik crib from ikea $119. It gets a good safety rating on consumer reports as well as good reviews.

LyndseylovesHugh · March 2014

We have a graco crib for dd and love it! It is very sturdy and still looks brand new 1.5 years later! It was less than $200 at Walmart.

kmawb · March 2014

We got a nice solid wood convertible crib for DD (it was about $200) that is made by a local furniture company. She is still currently sleeping in it (in the toddler bed configuration) and we will be moving her into a twin bed this spring so that the new baby can have the crib in July. Once he is done with it we will use it as a guest bed (if we have an actual guest room in our next house) or sell it.

1982Babies · March 2014

I plan on getting a $250 Delta 4-in-1 crib from Target. When she gets older, they have those "rail protectors" to help with the teething, so I may try that. Not saying it'll work, but it's worth a shot. I'll probably make one instead of buy one though.

slensic · March 2014

We have a Graco crib, about $100 and I love it. DD used it for 2.5 years, the last couple months as a toddler bed. This LO will use it possibly a little longer since we moved her only because he was on the way. We won't use it after that, he will get a twin bed and I will sell it on craigslist.

bluejeanbaby1217 · March 2014

$99 on an ikea crib for DS that converts to a toddler bed and we just bought a white jenny kind crib on Craigslist for $75 for baby girl and Love it!

kellbell440 · March 2014

I started a registry on amazon and hVe found a lot of reasonably priced cribs there with a lot of great reviews! I'm looking into the davinci kalani and might order it this weekend!

Glitzyklm · March 2014

krdesi said:

I got a Graco crib for $150. All cribs have to go by the safety standards set, so my cheaper crib is supposed to be just as safe as a $500 crib would be.

This!

We have a graco sarah. It's held up wonderfully, we will be moving DS out of the toddler bed (it converts) and putting new babe in. I just need to purchase a new mattress.

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