In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about full-size cribs, from the different types available to the materials used. We will also look into what you should consider when buying a full-size baby crib and peek into this year’s best-rated models. So, what is a full-size baby crib?
- What is a Full-Size Baby Crib?
- How Much Space Do You Need for a Full-Size Crib?
- How High is a Full-Size Baby Crib?
- Types of Full-Size Cribs & Top-Rated Models
- Materials Used in Full-Size Cribs
- Crib Mattress for a Full-Size Crib
- Safety of Full-Size Cribs
- When Can Your Baby Start Using a Full-Size Crib?
- How Long Can Your Child Use a Full-Size Crib?
- Conclusion:
What is a Full-Size Baby Crib?
A full-size baby crib is a standard-sized baby bed that meets the dimensions specified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). According to the CPSC, a full-size crib measures 52 inches in length and 28 inches in width.
To avoid any confusion, these dimensions refer to the interior of full-size cribs. They are regulated by law to ensure that all standardized full-size crib mattresses fit snugly into any full-size crib.
Interior dimensions of full-size baby cribs:
- Length: 52 3/8 ± 5/8 inches (133 ± 1.6 cm)
- Width: 28 ± 5/8 inches (71.1 ± 1.6 cm)
The regulation allows a small tolerance to accommodate minor variations in manufacturing but ensures overall safety and compatibility.
Full-size cribs provide enough room for your baby to sleep comfortably from infancy through toddlerhood, making it a popular option among parents. However, their larger size might not fit well in smaller spaces, causing some people to hesitate before buying one.
If you’re dealing with limited space but still want the benefits of a full-size crib, it’s important to consider whether it will fit comfortably in your room. So, how much space will a full-size crib actually take in your home?
RELATED: Full-Size Vs. Mini Crib Dimensions
How Much Space Do You Need for a Full-Size Crib?
To determine the space you need for a crib, you must know your crib’s exterior dimensions. The exterior dimensions of full-size baby cribs are not standardized. Meaning they vary based on the crib’s brand, frame, and additional features.
If we put aside models with an attached changing table (you can find more about them below), the differences in their footprints are not huge. However, sometimes even an inch counts.
Typical Exterior Dimensions of Full-Size Cribs:
- Width: Typically ranges from 30 to 36 inches (76.2 to 91.4 cm)
- Length: Typically ranges from 54 to 60 inches (137.2 to 152.4 cm)
Remember: When setting up the nursery, make sure there is enough space around the crib for easy access. You must have room to move around and comfortably put your baby in the crib. Also, ensure there is enough space to open drawers if your crib has attached storage or a changing table.
Tip: You can save space by placing the crib next to the wall or in the corner. This maximizes room space while still making the crib easily accessible.
How High is a Full-Size Baby Crib?
The height of the full-size crib can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific crib model. It usually ranges from about 35 to 45 inches (89 to 114 cm) from the floor to the top of the crib’s highest point (often the top rail or side).
Knowing your crib’s height is important for several reasons related to safety, comfort, and practicality. A crib that is too high can make it difficult to place or lift your baby in and out safely, increasing the risk of accidental drops or injuries.
Adjustable Mattress Heights:
Many cribs have adjustable mattress levels, allowing the mattress to be raised or lowered as the baby grows. The highest mattress setting is usually around 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 cm) from the floor, while the lowest setting is closer to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from the floor.
Proper height settings ensure that the baby cannot easily climb or fall out of the crib as they grow and become more mobile.
Types of Full-Size Cribs & Top-Rated Models
When it comes to full-size cribs, there are several types available, each designed to meet different needs and preferences:
- Traditional, Non-Convertible Full-Size Cribs
- Convertible Full-Size Cribs
- Full-Size Cribs with Storage
- Portable Full-Size Cribs
1. Traditional, Non-Convertible Full-Size Cribs:
Traditional full-size cribs are straightforward, non-convertible cribs that serve as a dedicated sleep space for your baby during infancy and early toddlerhood. They offer a sturdy and reliable option without additional features or functions.
Due to increased demand for other full-size crib types, non-convertible cribs are actually hard to find nowadays.
2. Convertible Full-Size Cribs:
Convertible cribs are versatile baby cribs designed to adapt to a child’s growth by transforming into different types of beds as they age. These cribs are a popular choice for parents looking to invest in long-term furniture that can serve multiple purposes over the years. Here’s an overview of the different types and benefits of convertible cribs:
Full-size convertible cribs come in various configurations, from 2-in-1 models that transition from a crib to a toddler bed, to 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 cribs that also convert into a daybed and a full-size bed. Some, like 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 cribs, offer additional options, such as a sofa, providing maximum versatility to grow with your child from infancy to adolescence.
While the initial cost may be higher, the ability to use the same furniture piece through different stages of a child’s life can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Top-Rated Full-Size Convertible Crib:
Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Delta Children Essex is one of our highest-rated convertible cribs, combining sleek, modern style with a charming mid-century design. Featuring angled legs, this crib effortlessly transitions with your child’s growth, converting from a crib to a toddler bed and daybed.
3. Full-Size Cribs with Storage:
Full-size cribs with built-in storage are an excellent choice for parents seeking functionality and convenience. They come in different configurations:
- With Trundle Drawer
- Attached Changer
- With Drawer and Changer
→ Convertible Crib with Under-Crib Drawer
This type of full-size baby crib includes a large trundle drawer underneath the whole mattress area. The drawer provides extra storage space and is perfect for parents who need to maximize storage in a nursery with limited space.
Top-Rated Full-Size Convertible Crib with Drawer:
Delta Children Simmons Kids Caden 6-in-1 Convertible Crib with Trundle Drawer
The Caden 6-in-1 is designed to grow with your child, offering six different configurations to meet your family’s needs over time. It can convert into a toddler bed, daybed, sofa, and full-size bed with an optional footboard. Under the mattress’s area is a quality trundle drawer divided into two parts for better storage organization.
→ Convertible Crib with an Attached Changer
The convertible crib with an attached changer, also known as a combo crib, features an attached changing table equipped with a changing pad and storage shelves or drawers.
It is usually the most expensive and takes up the most space among full-size cribs. Yet, it is considered a money- and space-saving option. Why? Because it combines two pieces of furniture, a crib and a changing table. Buying a crib and a changing table as two separate pieces would cost more and take up more space in the room than a combo crib alone.
Top-Rated Full-Size Convertible Crib with Changer:
Delta Children Abby Convertible Crib and Changer
The Delta Children Abby Crib ‘N’ Changer is a versatile and space-saving solution that combines a convertible crib with a convenient changing table. It transitions from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, ensuring long-lasting use.
→ Combo Crib with Under-Crib Drawer
I call this one the ultimate storage and space-saving crib. It includes an attached changing table plus a spacious drawer under the mattress’s area.
Top-Rated Combo Crib with Drawer:
Graco Remi 4-In-1 Convertible Crib & Changer With Drawer
The Graco Remi is a highly-rated, all-in-one nursery solution that combines a convertible crib with an attached changer and spacious drawer. This versatile crib adapts to your child’s growth, transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, while offering practical storage to keep essentials close at hand.
4. Portable Full-Size Cribs:
Full-size portable cribs are designed for families who need a crib that can be easily moved around their home. They are not travel cribs, but rather a lighter wooden or metal version of a full-size crib that stands on wheels.
While their interior dimensions are the same as those of any other full-size crib, they typically take up less space due to their minimalist frame.
Additionally, some of these cribs are foldable, which makes them an ideal choice for grandparents’ houses or small living spaces where flexibility is key.
Top-Rated Full-Size Portable Crib:
DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Jenny Lind is a 3-in-1 convertible crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler bed and daybed. It is a stylish crib with a minimalist design that is equipped with wheels, making it easy to move around your home.
Materials Used in Full-Size Cribs
Full-size cribs are made from various materials, each with its own benefits:
- Wood: The most common material for full-size cribs, wood offers durability and a timeless aesthetic. Popular wood types include pine, oak, and beech. Wooden cribs are available in various finishes, making matching the crib with your nursery décor easy.
- Metal: Metal cribs are less common but offer a unique, modern look. They are incredibly sturdy and often feature intricate designs, adding a touch of elegance to the nursery.
- Acrylic: Acrylic cribs are a modern, sleek option that offers a clear view of your baby from all angles. These cribs are durable and create an airy, open feel in the nursery.
Crib Mattress for a Full-Size Crib
Selecting the right crib mattress is just as important as choosing the crib itself.
Here’s what you need to consider:
- Size: Ensure the mattress fits snugly within the crib, with no more than two fingers’ width between the mattress and the crib frame. That shouldn’t be a problem, as full-size crib mattresses’ dimensions are standardized so that any mattress fits into any full-size crib. A standard-size crib mattress must be approximately 51 5/8 inches long by 27 1/4 inches wide and no more than 6 inches thick.
- Firmness: A firm mattress is essential to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Look for a mattress that is specifically designed for infants.
- Material: Crib mattresses can be made from foam, innerspring, or organic materials. Choose a material that suits your needs, keeping in mind factors like breathability, durability, and ease of cleaning.
- Waterproofing: A waterproof or water-resistant mattress cover can help protect the mattress from spills, leaks, and accidents, ensuring it lasts longer.
Safety of Full-Size Cribs
All full-size cribs on the market must meet mandatory safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so check if your chosen crib meets these standards before buying it.
You can also check for additional certifications, such as GREENGUARD Gold, which indicates low chemical emissions and ensures a healthier environment for your baby. These certifications are optional but provide extra security, which is great.
Note! Purchasing a safe crib is only the first step in providing the safest sleeping environment for your baby! It’s crucial to follow safe sleep recommendations, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet, and keeping the crib free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. These practices help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related hazards.
When Can Your Baby Start Using a Full-Size Crib?
A full-size crib can be used from the very first day your baby comes home. They are designed to accommodate newborns and can be adjusted to suit your baby’s needs as they grow. Most full-size cribs come with adjustable mattress positions, allowing you to start with the mattress at the highest setting for easy access to your newborn. As your baby begins to grow and develop more mobility, you can lower the mattress to keep them safe and secure.
Starting with a full-size crib offers several advantages. It eliminates the need for multiple sleeping arrangements, such as bassinets or co-sleepers, and ensures your baby has a consistent, comfortable, and safe sleep environment right from the start. This can also make the transition from infancy to toddlerhood smoother, as your baby will already be accustomed to their crib.
How Long Can Your Child Use a Full-Size Crib?
A full-size crib can typically be used until your child reaches 35 inches in height or starts climbing out, which usually occurs around 2 to 3 years old.
Convertible cribs extend this usability by transforming into toddler beds and beyond, accommodating your child for several more years.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right crib is a significant decision for any parent. Now that you know the answer to “What is a full-size crib?” and are familiar with the different types available, materials used, and key considerations, you’re well-equipped to make an informed choice.
Whether you’re leaning towards a traditional crib, a convertible option, or a crib with added storage, prioritizing safety, durability, and comfort will ensure that your baby enjoys a safe and restful sleep. Happy crib shopping!