Designing your dream nursery for your baby is one of the fun parts of preparing for a newborn. My wife and I loved every step of the process, from selecting our favorite color palette to choosing the furniture. The whole way was an exciting and fun process. It reminded me of the baby Moses basket. And did Jesus get a mattress pad for His baby bed?
However, at the same time, I felt bewildered as I was bombarded with a plethora of equipment choices. One such tool that I felt was an essential component for any nursery is a crib. A baby crib is a perfect abode for your baby sleep.
Although, finding the best crib for a short mom is not an easy task. So, I fired up Amazon and was quite taken aback.
I found it challenging to find the right one for my family and me with many things to consider. The items have names like travel crib, bassinet, portable crib, folding crib, floor bed and even bedside sleeper.
After immense amounts of research, I was able to find a few cribs that matched my needs and requirements. Even though I haven’t tried out all of them, each piece has a distinct aura and design that attracted me to it.
Therefore, to help narrow your search, this is a list of some of the best cribs for short moms. Also included are a few crucial factors to think about before you go shopping.
Great Cribs For Short Moms & Dads
1. Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
Topping the list as the best cribs for short moms is the Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib. Extolled for its build and design, this crib is the perfect addition to your baby’s nursery.
If you take a closer look at this particular crib, you will find that the crib is adjustable. Designed to accommodate toddlers of various weights, you can convert this crib from a standard crib into a daybed, as well as a toddler bed. Before the baby grows to own a full size bed.
The best part about this particular crib is that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified. With this trademark, the crib is free from any type of dangerous chemicals and toxins. Plus, did you know that it’s lead and phthalate-free? Now, you can ensure a safe product for your baby.
Apart from its safety, this crib is relatively rigid and sturdy, making it a worthwhile investment. I, personally, find this crib to be pretty affordable. When I searched for the best cribs for short moms online, I was confused by the plethora of models available.
This one caught my eye due to its simple yet elegant design and price point.
However, the only factor I feel requires improving is the toddler rail. When I inspected the product at our local nursery store, I found that it included no teething guards. It was a feature that I felt was important as it protects my child from hitting their head and teeth against the hard, rough wood.
Irrespective of the negative, I love this baby crib as it is just the perfect height for my wife to tuck our child into bed, and it is a good investment for the value it has to offer.
2. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
If you are on the lookout for cribs for short moms, you should include the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib enabled with a toddler bed conversion kit. Renowned for its elegant modern design, this is a user-friendly crib.
My favorite thing about this crib is its material. This baby crib is composed of a renewable and sustainable material known as the New Zealand pine. Due to its exceptional stability, this wood is a popular choice amongst the furniture.
Another unique feature that I found pretty interesting is its versatility. You can use the crib as a standard crib, day bed, or even a toddler bed. I feel it’s a great eco-friendly option that considers all of your baby’s personal needs and requirements.
However, if I compare the Babyletto Modo and the Babyletto Hudson, I feel that the Modo is relatively cheaper. Even though both have similar dimensions, design, and convertible options, the only difference is that the Hudson has more color variety.
Irrespective of that, Hudson does an equally good job in satisfying the needs and requirements of your child.
3. Storkcraft Hillcrest Fixed Side Convertible Crib
Another unique crib that is ideal for the best crib for a short mom is the Storkcraft Hillcrest Fixed Side Convertible Crib. If you are on the hunt for a trendy and modern baby crib, then this is the perfect choice for you.
The thing I liked about this particular baby crib is the minimalistic color availability. In other words, this crib is available in two unique shades, i.e., gray and espresso. My personal favorite is the espresso brown, as it brings in a sense of warmth to my baby’s room.
The best part about this particular baby crib is its safety features. When I took a closer look at the product, I found that it is JPMA and PTPA certified. I was pleased to see such certifications, as I was guaranteed a user-friendly product for my child safe sleep.
Besides, the crib’s dimensions are 54.5 by 30.75 by 34 in terms of length, width, and height, respectively, which is the perfect size for my wife.
However, I would recommend that you assemble the entire crib in the place you want to keep it. Since it is a full size crib, it would not be easy to shift it from one room to another unless you tend to have wide doorways.
Another unique feature about this particular crib is that it can be converted to a daybed or a full sized bed, depending on your needs and requirements.
However, I would caution you that if you are interested in buying the full-sized bed, you need to buy a separate conversion kit. This kit has mattresses included in it.
Lastly, a lot of parents often look for ways to utilize the space under the baby crib. This baby crib provides sufficient storage space. With this feature, I can store all of my little one’s toys and knick-knacks easily.
Overall, I found this product to be the best bet for the price, as it satisfied most of the things I was looking for in the best crib for a short mom.
4. Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
The above three cribs are a great choice but, I found the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer a fascinating piece of bedroom furniture for short parents.
Interestingly, it is that it is a convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed, a day bed, and a full-size bed complete with a headboard. In other words, it grows with your baby.
The crib’s dimensions are 40.5 by 29.8 by 56.7 when assembled. It boasts an adjustable mattress height at three levels, thus keeping your baby both safe and comfortable.
I liked the attached changing table, which includes drawers and shelves; the changing table is covered with a water-resistant pad and a safety strap for more convenience.
The crib comes in white and has been tested to meet all the federal safety standards. Well, I couldn’t resist a bed that our baby will use past adolescence.
5. Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
I see a crib as an investment, given that our baby will spend the first two or three years of its life in the crib. A mini crib would do since it takes up less space, but the baby might outgrow it before they are ready for the toddler bed.
I found the Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib fitting the above requirements; you can convert it into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with a headboard and footboard. It includes the daybed rail and toddler guardrail. You buy the rails for the full-size bed separately.
The dimensions are 54.25 by 43.25 by 35.25 and built from solid and sturdy wood to make sure it is durable. The crib fits a standard size mattress making it safe for the baby by not leaving any space between the pad and edges of the crib.
Did I mention the available color? The espresso cherry finish makes the crib so beautiful. Another advantage is the three-position mattress adjustment height which helps both the baby and the parents.
The baby’s safety has been put into consideration too. The crib is JPMA certified and meets all the safety standards. It has also been tested for lead and other toxic elements that would otherwise be dangerous.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing The Best Crib For Short Moms
As mentioned above, finding the best cribs for short moms is not a piece of cake. It is a task that requires immense amounts of time and research to find the best one for you and your child.
Therefore, to help you ease your search, below are a few essential factors to consider when hunting for the best crib for a short mom.
- Size Of The Crib
Being a short parent requires you to find a set of baby care products that are beneficial for your baby and your height. Therefore, I feel it is essential to take into account the size of the crib. This way, you can find the right one for your wife and child.
A helpful trick is to buy a crib with a slightly similar height as that of your wife. This way, it is easier to put the baby to sleep for both parents.
- Style Of Crib
Apart from thinking about the size of the baby crib, it is essential to think about the style of the actual crib. As baby cribs come in different designs, it is necessary to look at all the types and see which one works for you.
Below is a list of some of the common crib styles for you to choose from.
Contemporary Crib Styles
The first type of crib style is the contemporary crib. This style is characterized by its simple straight lines, making it a good piece of furniture in any type of nursery.
Plus, they are often manufactured in a variety of materials and colors. If you are looking for something opulent yet straightforward, a contemporary baby crib is the best way to go.
Modern Crib Styles
On the other hand, we have modern cribs. Even though these cribs appear to be quite similar to contemporary cribs, modern cribs have a few distinct features that set them apart.
One such difference is that modern cribs are relatively much more updated in appearance than contemporary cribs.
Furthermore, they are designed to appear quite minimalistic. When I look at the best modern cribs, I find that most of them have solid panels rather than slats, which helps elevate their overall look and design.
Traditional Crib Styles
As the name suggests, traditional cribs are known for their signature spindles, headboards, and intricate craftsmanship. Each crib is handcrafted with utmost accuracy and precision.
If you are looking for a baby crib that will look vintage and antique, you should purchase a good quality, traditional baby crib.
Eclectic Crib Styles
If you want a crib to jazz up your nursery with the splendid glamor of Hollywood, try looking for an eclectic style crib. These are often finished with bright, bold colors, making them a statement piece of any room.
Due to this, they can be considered the focal point of your nursery and bind all the nursery furniture.
Industrial Crib Styles
Another type of baby crib that I found at my local baby store was an industrial baby crib. These cribs are designed to add a hint of freshness to your baby’s nursery.
If you look at the crib’s design, you will find that industrial cribs are composed of only straight lines and no fills.
To stay true to the industrial feature of the crib styles, manufacturers often paint the entire crib in either tone of grey or white.
Sleigh Crib Styles
Sleigh cribs are a popular choice amongst parents due to their aesthetic appearance. However, you should note that these are relatively much more expensive than ordinary cribs, as they employ a vast amount of solid wood to construct them.
- Material Of The Crib
When searching for cribs for short moms, it is essential to consider the materialistic composition of the crib. This helps you determine the furniture’s price and durability.
Below are some of the common materials used to manufacture baby cribs. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which are worth knowing as they can impact your final decision.
Wooden Cribs
The first type of material used to manufacture baby cribs is wood. Wooden cribs are often considered to be bestsellers due to their longevity and durability.
When making any wooden furniture piece, artisans often determine the type of wood to be used. Their choice of timber depends on the desired budget and style.
However, a rule of thumb to remember is that the wood’s durability and uniqueness, the higher the price for the consumer.
When speaking about baby cribs, there is no unique type of wood to be used. Cribs are often manufactured in either pine, oak, chestnut, cherry, and even bamboo.
Let me take you through the different types of wood commonly used to make baby cribs.
Oak
Oak is highly regarded for its density, which makes it highly durable. In addition to the long-lasting oak wood features, this type of wood is perfect for creating furniture with distinct finishes.
Pine
Another type of wood is pinewood. Pinewood is extolled for its lightweight nature. It is comparatively cheaper than other types of wood, and it is often used to build trendy-looking furniture.
If you are on the hunt for creating a farmhouse or rustic style crib, then pinewood is the best way to go.
However, many people often wonder whether or not pine wood is a good material for cribs. I honestly feel it is better than any other type of wood.
As it is pretty lightweight, pinewood is readily available and can be painted to create exquisite pieces.
Chestnut
If you are looking for a durable wood block, you should opt for furniture made out of chestnut.
Birch
Another type of North American wood is birch. Birch is characterized by its whitewash appearance, which goes well with a Scandinavian crib design.
Apart from its color, birch is highly regarded for durability. Did you know that during the war, birch was often used to manufacture airplanes instead of aluminum?
Furthermore, wooden cribs are a popular choice amongst farmhouse, rustic, and Barnwood styles of baby cribs.
Metal Cribs
Another type of material used to make cribs is metal cribs. These types of cribs are undoubtedly difficult to damage. Due to this, they are an excellent option if you wish to move the crib around constantly. Moreover, metal is a lightweight material, which makes it easier to maneuver.
However, you should note that if you purchase a metal crib that is painted, you may have to repaint it a few times in case of any chips or breakage. This may add to the total cleaning and maintenance cost of the crib.
Fabric Cribs
The last but not the least type of material used to make baby cribs is fabric. Fabric cribs are often preferred if you are looking for something portable and light. These can be easily transported and are a go-to option for traveling.
- Shape Of The Crib
Another critical factor to contemplate is the shape of the crib. Baby cribs come in a variety of shapes. Below are some of the common shapes of cribs.
Rectangle Cribs
Rectangle cribs are the most common shape of baby cribs. They can fit easily into any room and can be converted to a giant bed, too.
Plus, the best part about them is that you can find the bedding for these cribs easily.
Round Cribs
Round cribs are renowned for their elegant nature. They are quite beautiful and comfortable for your baby.
- Additional Features
Apart from thinking about the crib’s shape and size, mattress height and sleeping surface, you also need to consider adding additional features as per your needs and requirements. Some of these other features include:
Wheels
Not all types of baby cribs are designed with wheels. However, if you wish to move your crib without having to dismantle it completely, try looking for one with caster wheels.
This way, you can roll the crib out whenever you need it and lock them in when you are not moving the crib.
Overall, I found this feature quite helpful when I was hunting for the best cribs for short moms.
Storage Underneath The Crib
Another valuable feature for most parents is storage underneath the crib. By having drawers or shelves beneath the crib, you can keep all of your baby’s toys and necessities without having to take up too much space in their nursery.
Foldability
Baby cribs are often quite bulky, making them hard to move around. Therefore, if you wish to create more space in the nursery, a helpful tip would be to employ a foldable baby crib. This way, you can use the room for various purposes easily.
Safety Rail
Babies tend to grow pretty quickly. Therefore, it is best to prepare for your child trying to get out of their crib. All you have to do is install a durable and robust safety rail. By doing so, you can ensure they can climb out of the crib safely and quickly.
- Safety
Before purchasing any type of crib for your newborn, it is crucial to ensure that the product is safe for use. As a parent, you try to ensure that your child is healthy and protected.
Thus, finding the right furniture for their nursery is one of the keys to success when creating a safe, user-friendly environment for your baby.
Did you know that furniture tends to emit compounds that can have a drastic impact on your baby’s health? These are often called VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds.
Therefore, to help reduce this, many furniture makers often apply for the Greenguard Gold Certification. This certification ensures that all products satisfy the stringent rules and regulations for limits on emission for indoor use.
For example, furniture made with pressed wood often consists of chemicals such as formaldehyde that emit VOCs into the air.
On the other hand, solid wood furniture doesn’t employ such chemicals during its manufacturing process. Due to this, they are a relatively safe option to choose from.
Therefore, try keeping an eye out for these certifications, as they can guarantee you a trustworthy, user-friendly product for your baby.
- Price
The last but not the least factor to ponder when searching for short moms’ best cribs is the price. Your main objective is to find a crib that meets all your family’s requirements without compromising on the value.
Therefore, try looking at products that meet your budget. This way, you don’t go broke when hunting for cribs for short moms.
Types Of Baby Cribs
When I went shopping for the best cribs for short moms, I was fascinated by the various types of cribs available. I wondered what could be the best one for my baby and my wife. After immense research, I found the top types of baby cribs ideal for any new parent.
Below are some of the commonly found types of baby cribs available in the market today.
- Standard Cribs
The first type of crib is the standard crib. These are commonly found at any baby products store. Moreover, standard cribs are characterized for their signature rectangular shape.
Plus, they can either be very plain and simple or designed with intricate patterns. However, these depend solely on your tastes and preferences.
Standard baby cribs are designed with fixed sides. These serve as the perfect tool for your children until they learn how to climb out of the crib.
- Convertible Cribs
Another type of crib that I found is the convertible baby crib type. As the name suggests, these cribs are designed to cater to the child’s growing needs.
If you are on the hunt for the best baby crib, I recommend you take a look at convertible cribs. These can be manipulated to meet the increasing demands of your developing child.
- Miniature Cribs
Miniature cribs or mini cribs are relatively much lighter and smaller in weight than their standard cribs counterpart. Due to this, they are the perfect tool for smaller homes.
The advantage of using these cribs is that they take up very little room and offer individuals convenient and easy storage.
- Canopy Cribs
If you are looking for a more luxurious type of baby crib for your child, I recommend looking at a good quality canopy crib. These are the perfect addition to an airy bedroom.
If you delve deeper into the appearance of the canopy crib, you will find that these are designed in such a way wherein you can attach a light, soft fabric above your baby to keep them sleeping sound and sweet.
However, as a word of caution, if you have a canopy crib in your home, you need to ensure that the baby doesn’t get caught up in the fabric, as it could be a safety hazard.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Baby Cribs
Cribs are a remarkable place for your baby to sleep. However, they can also be too dangerous if you are not careful. Below are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to baby cribs.
Dos Of Baby Cribs
- Do dress your baby warmly.
The first thing is to dress your baby warmly rather than using a blanket. The only drawback of a blanket is that it can get wrapped in their face and smother them, causing them to choke or get hurt.
Therefore, it is better to wrap your baby in a blanket sleeper or warm pajamas or get a sleep sack. If they feel cold, you can place a knitted blanket on them.
- Do put your baby down on their back.
When putting your baby to sleep in a baby crib, it is advised to keep your baby with their back faced down. Even though many babies like to sleep on their tummies, this is not a safe move.
- Do select your crib carefully.
When hunting for the best crib for a short mom, you need to select a durable, rigid, and strong crib. Plus, you should also ensure that the crib mattress has a snug fit within the crib.
- Do employ bedding that is designed explicitly for crib mattresses.
Another important thing that you need to ensure is to use mattresses and bedding specifically designed for that particular crib. If you use other types of bedding, you may encounter problems related to fitting, which may result in additional discomfort for your child.
- Do feed them before bed.
Don’ts Of Baby Cribs
- Don’t place big quilts, pillows, toys, etc., inside the crib.
Firstly, do not place big size quilts, pillows, and toys inside the crib as these can hinder the comfort of your baby while they sleep.
- Don’t use a crib with any broken or missing hardware.
Another vital aspect to consider is to make sure that if your crib is broken or has missing pieces, it should be returned and not used as it can hurt your child while they sleep.
- Don’t use a crib with slats bigger than 2 3/8 inches.
Many parents often consider the slat size of the crib when purchasing the best cribs for short moms.
It is recommended that you purchase a crib with a slat distance of 2 3/8 of an inch, which is approximately 6 centimeters. This distance will ensure that your child does not get their hands, legs, or head trapped in between the slats.
- Don’t use a crib with corner posts greater than 1/16th inch high.
In addition to the slat size of the crib, consider the height of the corner posts of the crib. If your crib has corner posts, it is recommended that they’re either integrated with the top of the headboard or very tall, i.e., roughly around 41 centimeters.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is pretty evident that finding the best cribs for short moms is not an easy task. With various options to choose from, finding the right one for your wife and child can be challenging.
Therefore, try thinking about the crib’s size, shape, height, safety, style, and materialistic composition. You might be thinking about the baby safety and consider having a baby monitor, a crib with an adjustable mattress height, or even a floor bed. A crib bumper is good for safety though not highly recommended.
You can try some of the models mentioned above, as they are ideal options when it comes to finding the best crib for a short mom.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is The Difference Between A Mini Crib And A Full-Size Crib?
As a new parent, one of the first things I wondered was what is the actual difference between a mini crib and a full-sized crib. How do I find the right one for my child?
Well, let me tell you the differences between both types of cribs. Firstly, a mini crib is comparatively much smaller than a regular, standard-sized crib. Some have wheels, whereas others don’t.
Besides, mini cribs are an excellent tool for your little ones until you feel it is the correct time for them to transition to a toddler bed. The advantage of mini cribs is that they are portable, affordable, and foldable. However, it is essential to remember that not all mini cribs are of the same size.
On the contrary, a standard or full-sized crib is larger. The cribs tend to offer much more features for your child and are often the permanent solution for your baby.
In addition to the above, a full-sized crib is available with shelves that do integrate with various styles. The unique feature that I found with full-sized cribs is that they can easily convert them into a toddler bed to meet the growing demands of children.
However, the drawbacks of such types of baby cribs are that they are relatively expensive and tend to take up much more space in the room than a mini crib. Overall, I would recommend you have a clear understanding of your baby’s needs and requirements before going out and purchasing the best cribs for short moms.
- Is There A Height Limit For Cribs?
Another commonly asked question is whether or not there is a specified height limit for baby cribs. The answer to that is there is no specified limit. However, you need to ensure that your baby can’t climb out of the crib.
- What Is The Safest Crib For A Baby?
If you are on the lookout for the best cribs for short moms, you can try the models mentioned above. Besides, you can also try the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, DaVinci Kalani, the Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib, as well as the DaVinci Jenny Lind Stationary Crib.
