Baby cribs from 3 years old, 7 years old, and for newborns – what is the best choice for each age group?

Baby cribs have a very limited usage period, while cribs for children aged 3 and above are more versatile and can be used for many years.

Tip: When choosing a children's crib regardless of age, it is preferable that it is made of wood or metal. The best option available is furniture made from solid wood, especially important for the youngest children.

Baby cribs from 0 to 3 years old

Cribs for babies aged 0 to 3 years include the following three types:

• crib;
• child's bed with side rails;
• transformer crib.

The best first crib for a newborn is a small crib. A newborn will be much more comfortable on a bed proportionate to their size. The usage period of a crib is most limited and can last only 2-6 months. Usually, babies are moved to a regular crib between 3-4 months. This depends on the child's development and activity levels.

Photo 1 — Crib for baby ErbesiCamilla

If a crib is a desired addition, then a child's bed is the main sleeping place that will serve as a place for sleep, play, and life in general for the child during its first three years. Many child's beds come with a removable front part of the side rail, which is very helpful when the child starts walking independently, i.e., around one year old. Under the bed, storage boxes or toy chests can be installed to save space in the wardrobe.

More details: Different types of children's cribs.

Photo 2 — Child's bed PaliIris (Italy)

A transformer crib is a complete set of furniture designed for long-term use. It makes sense to buy it before the baby is born or not at all, because the essence of transformation lies in converting a child's crib into a child's or teenager's bed. A standard set may include a single bed with drawers, a side rail for the child's crib, and a bedside table or dresser.

The size of the main bed determines how long such a transformer will last. A bed with a sleeping surface of 140 centimeters is intended for children up to 7-8 years old, a 170-centimeter bed can last until 12-13 years, and there are also models for extra-long use with a sleeping surface of 180-190 centimeters.

Photo 3 — Transformer bed VOYAGER WHITE GLOSSY for use from birth to teenage years

Children's cribs from 2 years old

By the age of 2-3, it's time to switch from a child's crib to an adult bed. Parents now face a choice:

• buy a teenager's bed in advance;
• or buy a smaller child's model.

First, the child will likely be more comfortable in a small child's crib.

As the first piece of furniture after a crib, a 140×70 cm bed is recommended.

However, it is only 20 cm longer than a crib and, as mentioned above, will require another replacement in 3-5 years. Therefore, parents often lean towards buying a bed on size.

Photo 4 — Nova sofa bed from Lanami for children aged 3 and above

However, it's not necessary to choose one of the two options: there is a compromise – beds with a sleeping surface that can be increased over time. For example, IKEA offers such children's cribs from 3 years old at a low price: the frame made of wood or metal can cost as little as 2500-7000 rubles depending on the design.

Photo 5 — IKEA Minnem sliding bed with a sleeping surface that expands from 135 to 206 cm

Children's cribs from 5 years old

At five years old, the child is much more independent and can be given one of the unusual types of cribs. In addition to standard options, children's cribs from 5 years old can include:

• slide-out crib;
• low loft bed.

A slide-out crib is useful if there are several children in the family, especially if they are siblings. It's good because it easily slides out, and the highest setting is only slightly higher than a regular bed. Despite its compactness, one single bed can accommodate two or even three sleeping spaces. Another good option for organizing a child's sleeping area is a platform with a slide-out bed.

Photo 6 — Slide-out children's crib Rainbow

A low loft bed is suitable for a 5-year-old child. Here it's important to emphasize the word "low." Such furniture is produced in various heights, configurations, and layouts. For this age, the average height is most suitable – it's safer.

Photo 7 — Low loft bed Dyuymovochka for girls

Children's cribs from 6-7 years old

Many people search for "children's cribs from 6 years old" and "children's cribs from 7 years old" – these ages can be grouped together. This is exactly the time when children become schoolchildren: they are more physically developed than at 5, have more responsibility and understanding, and whether they like it or not, they must grow up. It is from this age that pediatricians recommend using high double-tiered cribs and loft beds.

Of course, all is quite relative: some children happily climb onto the second floor at 3.5 years old and sleep there without problems. Parents should choose such types of cribs based on their children's behavior and sleeping habits. Many children regularly fall out of bed while sleeping, even from regular low beds. For them, a better alternative or a model with high side rails on the second tier might be more suitable.

Photo 8 — Double-tiered children's crib Tower for children from 6 years old

Starting from the early school years, the options for selecting a child's crib expand significantly. Photos and prices of several cribs made in Russia, suitable for children and teenagers, are provided below.

Photo 9 — Soft bed Leo for a child or teenager. Price – 19,912 rubles

Photo 10 — Double-tiered bed made from pine wood by manufacturer Borovichi-Mebel. Price 11,550 rubles

Photo 11 — Sliding bed Rostushka-Prostushka. Price 19,800 rubles