The Size Difference Between a Portable Crib & Regular Crib

Portable cribs are a convenient alternative to regular cribs. Although similar in look and design, they are slightly smaller than regular cribs to allow them to fit through doorways as you move the baby from one room to another, such as from a bedroom to the kitchen while you cook. Many fold for easy transport. Although some regular cribs have wheels to allow you to reposition it easily within the room, portable cribs include wheels to make moving around the house simple. Beware of hand-me-down cribs with drop-sides, which were banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in late 2010 as unsafe and potentially deadly to babies.

  1. Dimensions

    • Although sizes vary by manufacturer, most portable cribs are about 40 inches long, 26 inches wide and 39 inches high. A sample regular crib size is 57 inches long, 34 inches wide and 42 inches high. Portable cribs will typically fit through a bedroom door, but just barely. Regular cribs must be disassembled to remove them from the baby's room.

    Storage Space Requirements

    • Portable cribs usually fold flat for storage or travel. They have hinged corners that allow a space-saving storage option. Many fold to a size of about 6 to 8 inches wide, not including the mattress (which does not fold). When disassembled, regular cribs typically can be stored in a space from 8 to 13 inches wide, plus additional space for the mattress. Mattresses are usually 4 to 6 inches high.

    Weight

    • To remain true to their name, portable cribs weigh significantly less than most regular cribs. Portable cribs usually range from 30 to 45 lbs., which makes them easy to travel with and push around the house. Regular cribs vary widely in weight, anywhere from 60 lbs. to more than 100 lbs. when fully assembled.

    Baby Weight and Height Limits

    • Refer to your crib manufacturer's owner's manual to find your crib's specific weight and height limits. Babies must move out of a portable crib sooner than a regular crib, typically around 35 lbs. Many regular cribs are rated up to 45 or 50 lbs. The American Society of Testing Materials tests cribs by dropping a 45-lb. weight on them to simulate typical abuse that will be sustained. Your child is more likely to reach a height limit, usually 35 inches tall for both types of cribs, before reaching the weight limit. As soon as your child is tall enough to climb out of the crib, he should no longer use it, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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