Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

Do you know what I'm talking about? Can you please post your pros and cons about both? I had always assumed that all cribs had the raling that could be lowered, but upon shopping yesterday I found many that did not. Is one preferred over the other??

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I haven't picked one out, but I've thought about this already b/c I'm short and have some back issues...so I definately need one that has a side that drops.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

Before I researched, I always assumed cribs had a drop down side too. I remember years and years ago, it seemed standard (little cousins, people I babysat for, etc. always had them!). I'm on the short side, so it was a necessity for me, especially as baby gets bigger and you lower the mattress in the crib! We noticed when shopping that it seems like many of the transitional cribs that convert to toddler and then full-size beds DON'T have the drop-down side, probably because that mechanism would interfere with the bed once you made it into a bed from a crib. So we went with a traditional crib that doesn't convert, but has a drop-down side. Some people just love the look & practicality of the transitionals and say they'll use a step-stool if needed, I'm just clumsy and knew that wasn't a good idea at say, 3am, holding a 20+ pound child.

It's all about your preference & comfort though, in the end!

Message edited 3/4/2007 8:38:00 AM.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

So far all the pretty ones I would like don't have the drop down side. I do need one because of back issues so the search continues.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I have drop down and thank goodness. I wouldn't be able to pick him up out of the crib if I didn't have it.

I would rec a drop down definitely.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I have a convertible crib from Munire. The side doesn't drop down. My DD is 25 lbs at a year old and so far I haven't had any problems. I am also 5'3 so if anyone should have a problem, it's a short girl.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I personally would never buy one without a drop side..especially once you drop the mattress down ..we have the Generation Next crib by Babys Dream..it has a hinged area that drops down...I plan on buying another for my

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Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I do have one with a drop down side, but you know what...18 months later I have never used it--even with the mattress on the lowest level!

I am only 5'4 and I'm currently 7.5 mos. pregnant and it's still cool. The only problem is tucking the blanket in on the far side now with the big belly in the way

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I have a non drop crib from Legacy, I am only 5'3'' and the mattress is all the way down, i have no problems getting her in and out and i am 21 weeks pg.

I can even lay her down when she is out cold no problem.

I didn't like the styles of the drop down cribs and seemed a little more flimsy to me, plus every one we tried in the store i have problems trying to drop the sides with one hand and even sometimes with 2 hands.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

At first, I thought it would not matter to have a drop down side.

But I am short and like some mom pointed out, the problem is not when the baby is 3 months. It's when he/she is several months old, and asleep. The mattress will be lower so you are going to have to bend pretty low to get the kid in and out of the crib.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

i am also on the shorter side and felt that a drop down was the way to go too, however i did run into the problem of wanting a lifetime crib and a drop side and wanting something not to expensive (around $300-400), and i couldnt find anything, most of the ones that were that combination were way more expensive, i finally found a crib i like at Babies r us, that fit what i wanted, but i did look at BBB and small private stores too. the sales people at the private store tried to convince me that i didnt need a drop down side, but i remember taking care of my nephews and the drop side on the crib not working, and it was hard for me to lift the babies and put them into the crib without it and keep them asleep

Message edited 3/4/2007 11:42:39 AM.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

Personally, I can't think of a single "pro" to not having at least one side drop down on a crib...especially when the baby gets bigger [=heavier]. I consider myself average in height and I would have severe issues getting my child in and out of a crib if I couldn't drop the side!

The main pro of having the side drop down is easier access...and say your baby is sleeping, but you check on him/her and realize that stinky mess has got to go, you can more easily change the stinky diaper without waking him/her up as well. Plus, when they are first born, you don't have to raise the side up and it's much easier to reach in there to grab your tiny little bundle of joy. You'll feel like they are less lost in their "giant" crib.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

Not a Mom but I put my firend's twins to sleep a couple of times a week. Sghe has Bellini cribs with the drop down sides. I am 5'5 and i would NOT be able to put them down with the sides up. They have to be down. I will probably go with a drop side.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

The crib we got does not have a rail that drops all the way, but rather only the first 3 inches drop. It is the generation nect crib. It also has a matress that you can lower (like most). We decided NOT to go with a drop down crib since too many people we know with kids figured out how to "shake" the side loose & get out. This is more sturdy. I will say though, if you are a shorter person this is probaby not the best crib though. My friend (who is 5') could not reach the mattress with the side down.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I think if there is anything to consider, it's your height. And people seem to have no troubles who posted above. I am 5'8 so it wasn't an issue for me and mine does not drop.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

We gave a lot of thought to this - I did notice that most cribs with drop down sides were higher on the sides than the stationary ones were. You need to determine your height and the height of the fixed side. We looked around a lot - some of the fixed side ones hit me mid belly - which would have made it difficult. The one we chose had the front side lower and it ends right at the top of my legs area so I can easily bend at the waist (I am 5'8").

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

I purchased a crib without a drop down after having the same dilemma for a while myself. I am 5'0 so this was something of concern to me. HOwever, I put the issue to the test and stood next to a crib with a lowered gate and a crib without a drop down. They both hit me in the same spot, my hip. In other words, it doesn't make a difference which one you get. The crib witth the drop down comes as low as a crib without a drop down.

This was also confirmed to me by the sales associate at Bellini and the owner of Sukons. So therefore, I personally think it doesn't matter.

Re: Cribs with a side that can be dropped vs ones that can't...

We have the kind that can't be dropped. But we love it. The matress can be lowered or raised, so when they are newborn you just put the mattress all the way up, and as they get bigger and can sit or stand you lower it. It isn't difficult to get the baby out at all.