Q: I have been scouring the web trying to find a full-sized crib (not a mini crib) that will fit in a niche in our TINY (8x8 + the potential crib bump out) nursery. The problem is the space we have to work with length wise is exactly 53.5".... Most reasonably priced cribs I've found are at least 54" or longer (including all those at Ikea). Does anyone know of any cribs, preferably $300 or less, that would fit within these specifications?
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Editor: Ikea's Gulliver, for instance, is listed as 53.5" which means if both of your measurements are accurate, you may be able to wedge it in. But even that may be too tight a squeeze. I think the trick is that manufacturers base crib sizes on standard mattress sizes. Readers, do you know of any full-sized cribs that are just a smidge smaller?
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(Image: Gulliver Crib/Ikea)

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I know this isn't what you asked, but if you're really in a pinch, you could look into doing a Montessori floor bed instead of a crib. Then you only need enough room for the mattress. I know that's not for everyone - or even many people, though. The upside is that it'd make a tiny space seem more spacious.
We have this crib from Walmart- it's held up well for the past 14 months for us. It's only 41.25" long:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-Olivia-3-in-1-Crib-Espresso-and-White/16203861
The classic Jenny Lind is listed as 53.5" also, so it might squeeze in:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11788811
The Stokke Sleepi is 50", though it's also not a rectangle so it might not be what you want:
http://www.allmodern.com/Stokke-Sleepi-Crib-10430X-SKK1475.html
Lastly, Ohdeedoh posted a built-in option that could work if you're handy or know someone handy:
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/cribs-bassinets/jasons-diy-crib-solution-065977
Funny - all the IKEA cribs in Europe are smaller than the American ones! (we just bought one in Germany)
the bloom alma papa is 49" long by 25.5 inches deep. Plus its super cool and stylish looking and folds and has optional wheels
We've been super happy with our davinci brand mini-crib. We have the Kalani, I believe. It's only as wide as a twin bed, and in fact, can be converted to a twin when you're ready for that. It has fit our children until they were 2.5 or 3 and ready for a toddler bed. It is solid pine with a non-toxic finish and was very reasonably priced--about $149 or so, I believe.
Just another possibility to consider.
I love how many people listed $600 or $700 cribs when the original poster's budget was $300.
I have the jenny lind crib which is list at 53.5" but that might be a tight fit. I like the montessori floor bed idea. Ohdeedoh has featured some beautiful montessori nurseries. It almost seems like you might have to go the minicrib route if you have a budget of 300$ or less. Why are you shying away from the minicrib? It seems like it would look quite nice and it would for sure make your 8x8 room look much larger. My other suggestion is hunt on www.wayfair.com by price and start reading the measurements of the ones you like. You are sure to find SOMETHING that you love. AND wayfair ships for free within the US. If you are Canadian and live near a border town have it shipped to the nearest UPS store on the US border and go pick it up. Thats what I do.
Double her budget might be what is required to stop her from having to pay $1000 more in rent a month. Sometimes that is the calculation you need to do.
OP, The Gulliver was the smallest standard crib we could find and it does, truly, have those dimensions. Buy the cheap crib and put the money towards a better quality organic matress. I'd choose it over a minicrib any day.
Another option is to reposition the crib as "sidecar" which secures it to your bed and opens up one side to be able to reach the baby. Lots of good instructions online.
Or consider buying a used mini size co-sleeper on Craigslist. Very small and well help you through the early months. No need to have a crib right away.
This isn't $300 or less, but the Giggle Harper crib is a great deal for the quality. Comes in at 53.8.
http://www.giggle.com/giggle-Better-Basics-Harper-Crib/SUNCR,default,pd.html
I don't know the exact measurement but I would be the stokke would fit. I know it's way out of your budget but we got a used one for about $300 so worth a look.
This is the one we chose in the darker wood color for new edition. It might work for as well. Try Target Online they have a lot that they don't have in the store and I've found they are pretty customer service friendly.They have some cute things! This one is listed at 42.75”(h) x 57.25”(w) x 29.5”(d) and is only around $130 plus shipping($30). It was easy to put together and feels pretty sturdy. Hope this helps!~K
http://www.target.com/p/Delta-Winter-Park-3-in-1-Convertible-Crib-White/-/A-13566919#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton