When preparing to design your nursery—whether it’s a brand-new nursery or a complete nursery refresh—there’s no question that the crib serves as the heart of the nursery. While many things in a nursery can be considered an “extra” or unnecessary, there’s no denying the importance of a baby crib: it’s a non-negotiable for the nursery. So, how do you make sure that you’re choosing the right crib for your nursery?
With so many cribs available in-store and online, choose the right crib for your nursery can be overwhelming and daunting. Don’t worry — we’re here to help guide you with a few simple things to consider when looking for a new crib:
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Size of space determines size of crib: It’s important to ask yourself, “Can my nursery fit a full-size crib?” If you’re a bit tighter on space, you may want to consider a mini crib. If you have a larger space and lots of room to play with, you could consider an all-in-one option like a crib & changer.
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In-room storage determines style of crib: If your nursery doesn’t have a lot of storage—meaning, a tiny closet (or no closet at all), or no room for a dresser—you may want to consider a crib that has an under-crib storage drawer. A crib with drawer is a space-saving and convenient way to add storage to the room, without taking up space.
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How long you plan on using the crib determines the style of crib: Many convertible cribs in today’s world have the ability to transform from a baby crib all the way to a full bed. If you only plan on using the crib as a crib and eventually transitioning baby into a toddler bed, you’ll be fine with a 3-in-1 convertible crib (meaning, crib, toddler bed, daybed). However, if you plan on using this one crib throughout all of childhood and transforming it into a full bed, you’ll need to opt for a 4-in-1 crib or 5-in-1 crib.
Choosing a crib may be simple, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make when outfitting your nursery. Therefore, this article will aim to guide you through your quest to choose the right crib for your nursery. So, if you’re wondering how to choose a crib, we’ll dive right into it here with a few simple answers:
The Different Types of Baby Cribs
How to choose a baby crib? Well, let’s start with the four main types of baby cribs:

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Crib (Standard, Full-Size Baby Crib) — This is your standard, full-size baby crib — no drawer, no attached changing table, just a simple crib for your baby to sleep in. Usually, a regular crib without a drawer and without an attached changing table is much easier and quicker to assemble. Also, due to its simpler nature, you’ll be able to find many options that fit within a wide range of budgets. There are super-simple cribs that take less than 20 minutes to build, like the Storkcraft® Morningside 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, or there are bold, iconic, celebrity-requested cribs like the Storkcraft® Santorini® Deluxe 5-in-1 Convertible Crib (which includes a bonus toddler guardrail, so you’re ready to convert it to a toddler bed right out of the box).
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Mini Crib (Miniature Baby Crib) — If your nursery is smaller (as is the case for many families living in urban high rises) or if you’re preparing to welcome twins to your family (in which case, you are needing need two cribs in the room), look no further than the smart, space-saving mini crib. Don’t be fooled by the name — a mini crib may be smaller in size, but it performs (almost) like its standard-size cousin. The only drawback of a mini crib, when compared to a standard-size crib, is that it does not transform into a toddler bed. But that’s ok — all Storkcraft and Graco mini cribs have the ability to transform into a twin bed, with the purchase of Storkcraft’s crib conversion kit. Check out the Graco® Teddi® 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib or Graco® Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib. Oh, and all Storkcraft and Graco mini cribs come equipped with a 2.75-inch thick water-resistant crib mattress — nice!
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Storage Crib (Standard, Full-Size Crib with Drawer) — A crib with drawer is a great option for a nursery that is lacking in storage. Maybe you have a tiny closet, are using your closet for your own adult clothes, or have no closet in the nursery at all. Many crib with drawer options have sleek styling that don’t even look like they have a drawer beneath — like the ultra chic Storkcraft® Casablanca™ Deluxe 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and the timeless, versatile Graco® Teddi® 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer.
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Crib and Changer (Standard, Full-Size Crib with Attached Changing Table) — If your nursery has the space, a crib & changer is a great all-in-one solution to consider. A crib & changer usually features tons of storage (check out the Graco® Hadley 5-in-1 Convertible Crib & Changer with Drawer), and has all of the conversions to last throughout childhood. Oh, and did we mention its attached changing table also includes a water-resistant changing pad? Check out our Graco® Shiloh™ 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer, also available in-store at Walmart stores across the USA.
Crib Aesthetics
Once you have decided which style of crib can fit the space you’re working with, you can start to consider the many aesthetic options available:

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Modern — Two-tone colorways. Geometric shapes. A headboard height that’s level with all of the other sides of the crib. A modern baby crib has the ability to bring a dose of chic to the nursery. Check out our Storkcraft® Equinox 3-in-1 Convertible Crib as an example of a modern baby crib with a geometric design.
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Classic — Classic baby cribs usually have a raised, higher headboard, are monotone in color (especially utilizing warmer wood tones, like Storkcraft and Graco’s popular Hazelnut finish), and incorporate design elements that are timeless, not trendy. Check out our popular Graco® Olivia™ 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Graco® Tristan™ Convertible Crib With Drawer cribs — both available in-store at Walmart locations across the USA.
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Traditional — Your classic “storybook” or “fairytale” design. Traditional cribs incorporate design elements like the sleigh style, and usually are in wood tones or very conservative colorways, like white or black. Check out our traditional Storkcraft® Portofino 5-in-1 Convertible Crib & Changer or the Graco® Paris 4-in-1 Convertible Crib.
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Transitional — The easiest style to pair with any nursery, as transitional cribs can work with modern or classic nurseries. To see what we mean, check out our Graco® Teddi® 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib, Graco® Teddi® 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, and Graco® Teddi® 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer.
A Crib to Last a Lifetime — Our Most Innovative Crib, Ever.

Storkcraft’s award-winning Graco® Read-with-Me™ 4-in-1 Convertible Bookshelf Crib functions as an easy-to-match, transitional baby crib, and transforms into a toddler bed and daybed. But what makes the Graco Read-with-Me so uniquely innovative is the fact that its sides (which conveniently house many children’s books) can detach when your child outgrows the crib — and the two bookshelf crib sides can be safely bolted into your bedroom wall, allowing the crib to keep serving your family throughout the rest of childhood (and beyond!).
Final Thoughts
The three S’s—space, storage, style—are great things to consider when asking yourself how to choose a crib for the nursery. It’s important that the size of the crib you choose allows you to fit other important items in the nursery, like a chair to bond with and feed baby (check out the Storkcraft® Santa Monica® Nursery Power Recliner or Graco® Teddi® Power Recliner Swivel Glider), and perhaps even a changing table (check out the Storkcraft® Pasadena® Changing Table or Graco® Benton Changing Table). If you need any guidance with cribs, reach out to Storkcraft on Instagram via direct message, or contact our friendly, helpful Customer Care team. We’re here to help bring your dream nursery to life — which starts with the right crib.