Best Crib with Drawer for Storage

Best crib with drawer storage

My advice – there’s never enough storage in a baby’s room. That’s why you should consider one of those cribs with a storage drawer underneath!

It’s petty, but one of my (minor) fears in becoming a first-time parent is the mess that will come with my bouncing baby boy.

I was thinking about where should we put the crib or where should we let him play? Should we buy a new dresser for the new set of clothes and blankets and toys and stuff? It’s pretty overwhelming.

A crib with drawers is the perfect solution to that. And whoever thought of putting additional storage under a crib is a genius.

Uncertain about which mattress to get? Take a look at this list of the best crib mattresses. I have put lots of hours into this guide, for you to find the ideal mattress for your baby!

I wrote this article to help you pick the right one with some additional tips and reminders to share my enthusiasm for these practical nursery furniture marvels.

This guide will cover:

Best crib with drawer for storage

Modern Convertible crib with storage drawer
NovogratzModern Convertible crib with storage drawer

This crib is full of great features, such as an extra-large drawer under the mattress, plus it converts into a toddler’s bed. Moreover, the white mid-century modern frame is undoubtedly stunning.

Available at:
Wayfair
Convertible crib with drawer
GracoConvertible crib with drawer

This crib from Graco is a 4-in-1 convertible bed frame that can eventually become a toddler bed, a day bed, or a full-size kid’s bed. With Graco product, you are sure to have a kid-friendly non-toxic, JMPA certified crib that meets the CPSC and ASTM standards.

Available at:
Amazon
Convertible crib with drawers and changing table
GracoConvertible crib with drawers and changing table

You never have too much storage in a kid’s room, especially with all the baby gear you’ll need. This is why I love this convertible crib. It got the drawers underneath the mattress, the changing table in the side, plus a small dresser built-in.

Available at:
Amazon
Crib with drawers and changing table combo
StorkcraftCrib with drawers and changing table combo

Storkcraft built quality cribs, and this model with the changing station is no exception. The all-white wooden frame is perfect for any modern nursery decor. But, the real strength of this crib is the built-in changing table along with the extra-large drawer.

Available at:
Amazon
Vintage crib with drawer
Stone & LeighVintage crib with drawer

The 4 posts and the carved spindled pattern of the railing are quite unique. This crib would look great in any classic nursery decor. This crib has more to offer, with a bottom drawer for extra storage.

Available at:
Wayfair

Benefits of the extra storage underneath the crib

Cribs with a storage drawer underneath provide a practical solution for those who don’t have enough space for extra sheets or other baby stuff. Suppose you have a small nursery or simply don’t have storage for these additional items. In that case, you may consider buying this type of crib.

The extra drawer occupies the little space under the crib; it eliminates the possibility of dust and clutter accumulating underneath, saving you the cleaning time. It also makes the base of the crib even more sturdy and stable.

Sleeping accessories

You can keep various baby essentials inside the trundle drawers like extra bedding, sleep sacks, and diapers. In case you need a quick change in the middle of the night, you can easily access these items tucked all in one place.

Toys storage

Some drawers aren’t that easy for your toddler to open and close, depending on the quality and design.

Usually, these trundle drawers are made of MDF which makes them not as durable as the crib. This doesn’t make it an excellent place to store stuff that needs to be accessed frequently in a day. It should be reserved for those items that will only be required occasionally.

Types of Cribs with Storage Drawers

Baby girl crib with drawer storage

There’s not a shortage of cribs with storage drawers. Most types can come with the trundle drawer underneath. But unlike combo cribs (those with changing tables and drawers), these are more compact and take less space in your room.

In any case, you should check the quality of the materials used for the drawer since often they’re not made as durable as the crib that has them.

Large drawer underneath

Cribs’ trundle drawers vary in size. With larger drawers, you can store bigger or broader items such as blankets and bedding. It will be more challenging to organize smaller items in it, though.

Depending on design and quality, large drawers can be more difficult to pull open and push close.

Divided drawer

A large drawer can have a divider which makes organizing the items a more straightforward task. Still, check for the quality and design to avoid extreme bouts with a stubborn trundle drawer.

Two large storage drawers

Some parents find it more convenient and practical to have two large drawers instead of one (with or without a divider).

Things to consider when buying a crib

Mother storing baby clothes

Your baby will spend a lot of time in his crib, especially for the first several months to a few years. But choosing the perfect crib for your baby’s needs shouldn’t be a difficult task. 

Here is a list of things to consider to help you make an intelligent purchase:

1- Safety

The comfort of your baby is only one-half of the stories. His safety within the crib is another one. Listed here are the parts of the crib you must check to ensure safety.

  • Bars – to prevent your baby’s head from getting caught in between, the rails should be 2 3/8 inches apart.
  • Headboard & footboard design – should not have features that can injure and tear your baby’s clothing.
  • Mattress size – the dimensions of the crib and the mattress should be a perfect fit with less than two fingers between the mattress and crib walls
  • Mesh (if applicable) – it should be less than ¼ inch, and there should be no tear or any loose thread.
  • Paint – choose a crib with a lead-free and non-toxic finish. For second-hand cribs, use color with no volatile organic compounds (VOC) for refinishing.
  • Drop-side – cribs with drop-sides aren’t safe choices. Avoid them like a stinky nappy.

2- Certification

Several organizations provide certification to baby products such as cribs. And that’s only for the best.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) are two regulatory bodies that set safety standards with inputs from engineers, consumer advocates, consultants, and manufacturers. ASTM’s standard for juvenile products is the foundation of JPMA guidelines, a federal requirement for all products.

Another important one is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) which regulates the space between the slats in all the cribs sold within the US.

When it comes to potentially harmful chemicals, you must look for a product with a Greenguard gold certification seal. This certifies that a product such as a crib has the very minimum level of chemicals.

For cribs or crib parts made with composite wood, make sure it is certified by CARB II. This regulates the number of formaldehyde emissions from veneer core, composite core, particleboard, and medium-density fireboard, all of which are meant to strengthen wood products.

3- Non-toxic material

You don’t want your kid snacking on toxic paint and materials, so go for the trusted and certified manufacturers. When possible, choose a crib made of solid wood and has a non-toxic finish.

Look for a seal for Green guard gold certification in the crib you’re purchasing. This body tests for more than 10,000 toxic emissions and more than 360 volatile organic compounds (VOC). This certification ensures that the product is safe for indoor environments with a vulnerable population such as babies.

4-Adjustable mattress height

With the mattress set at the highest level, it helps protect both your newborn’s neck and your back every time you bend down and scoop him up to your arms.

Preferably, there should be at least 3 levels for the mattress or 4 when possible. This gives you more options as your baby grows and learns to sit and stand.

5- Conversion

Depending on your situation (or future situation), you might want to look into convertible cribs. If you plan on staying at the same place for the next several years, a crib that will last and grow with your kid is a great choice.

Convertible cribs can be either 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. The former converts to a toddler bed and then a daybed, while the latter extends to a full-sized adult bed that can be used up until college.

If you’re deciding to get a convertible crib, consider the materials’ strength and the construction. You’ll want it durable enough to last for the next coming years.

Also, make sure you acquire the conversion kits at the same time you purchase the crib. You don’t want to be hunting down the conversion materials 3 or 5 years later because the manufacturer stopped making them.

6- Aesthetics

Your baby’s safety and comfort are top priorities when deciding which crib to buy. But it doesn’t mean we can forego the process of nursery beautification. Putting the perfect crib inside the decorated room is like putting a cherry on top. 

7- Extra safety tips

When it comes to children’s safety, we should never cut corners. Here are some extra tips to keep your baby safe.

  • Keep it simple – the bedding should be bare without soft coverings that can put your newborn baby at risk of suffocation.
  • Crib’s position – keep it away from other furniture, windows, curtains, and power outlets.
  • Extra bed stuffs – only add pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys when your kid is around 2 years old.
  • Proper assemblage – use and strictly follow that manual in assembling the crib.
  • Regular inspection – always check for sharp or pointed edges, splinters, or damages that can compromise the crib’s safety environment.
  • On second-hand cribs – don’t use cribs that are 10 years old and above. To be sure that the product you’re getting second-hand is safe, check the CPSC recall list.

Takeaway

Drawer with baby things

Having extra storage that comes with the crib only proved to be a blessing once my baby arrived. It was easy to get things organized by tucking away the extra items without ransacking the dressers once I needed them.

If you’re still looking for the right crib for your nursery, make sure to look into those with trundle drawers. Having the right crib is crucial for you and for your baby’s safety, so make a wise decision while buying.

In general, cribs don’t come with a mattress, and you should consider ordering one simultaneously as the bed. Don’t worry; I have simplified the selection by creating this list of the best crib mattresses. Or perhaps you need help, and you should visit this guide I made on choosing the ideal mattress for your baby crib.

Still unsure about the crib? Here are some other types and styles you should also consider for your nursery:

Sylvain Marengere

Sylvain is managing the Sleepy Monkey website, in addition to curating the artwork we present.

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