The trek into parenthood is full of arduous tasks and reasonable worries. Among the multitude of baby gear and furniture the crib is quite possibly the most important thing your child will have. While there are alternatives to the traditional crib the idea behind them is not for long-term sleeping. Here we have compiled a list of completely affordable options from the parent who loves functionality to the newest and most wanted design styles.

Low-Budget Stand Alone Crib

Stork Craft isn’t a widely known crib producer; however, their products always see rave reviews. The Stork Craft Tuscany Crib is a fixed-side crib that has a little more traditional take than the most current models being produced. This crib, normally around $170, can sometimes go for about 50% off. As a full size crib, the Tuscany model is great for moms and dads who have quite possibly exhausted their funds on all the fun toys first. In addition, the Tuscany is featured as one of the cheap cribs on Amazon, but doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything by purchasing it.

Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 Stages Crib, Espresso

If you’re caught in the middle of a sale, you could quite possibly get your baby’s new crib and mattress for right around the original cost of the crib. With variations in color such as Espresso, White, and Cherry you are sure to find the right option that suits your child’s décor. Just remember that there is a reason why manufacturers are making drop side cribs nowadays – people are very into them. Most moms and dads will tell you that fixed side cribs are a thing of the past, but the truth is that only that decision can be left up to you. Without a drop side crib you won’t have to hear horror stories about baby’s getting caught, falling out, or the drop side portion of the bed not properly working. Dream On Me also makes a folding portable crib at this price point in various baby-themed colors (like baby pink).

The Expensive-Looking Crib

Cheap cribs come in all shapes and sizes; however, the one thing that will not change is their price range. There are many inexpensive versions that look more expensive than they are. For example, Graco makes great cribs under the $200 price point that are more substantial, functional, and go great with any nursery décor. In particular, Graco’s Sarah model is a 4-in-1 crib that grows with your child. With scrolling sleigh-bed-like sides and a drop bar for easy access, this crib converts to a toddler bed and so on.

Graco Sarah Classic 4 in 1 Convertible Crib, Cherry

Having a convertible crib is beneficial in many ways, but they can take up a lot of space so you should definitely keep that in mind. The good news is that when you’ve altered your bed from a normal crib into a toddler bed, there is normally no other pieces or parts required and you can keep the same crib mattress until you are ready to convert the bed again. With choices in Cherry, Cappuccino, and Dark Walnut you are sure to be able to find something perfect for your baby’s room.

The Full Package

Many companies that make cheap cribs also have package deals that including other items as well. Take Delta as an example. Delta’s Shelby Crib and Changer combo provides you with two of the main concerns all new parents have for just around $300. While it’s the most expensive item listed here, there are less expensive versions available at major retail chains all over the world.

However, the Shelby crib has another bonus that some others don’t: a trundle. Having a trundle underneath your child’s crib is added storage to otherwise wasted space. This is good news for all those extra blankets and burp clothes you’ll be getting at the baby shower. Also, even though this crib isn’t as substantial as some others, it comes in different color options and can be dressed up with bedding and a changing pad or new knobs on your changing table.

Delta Shelby Crib and Changer, Espresso Cherry

The Portable Folding Crib

Portable folding cribs are quite possibly on the lowest end of someone’s budget. Of this type of crib, Dream On Me makes an excellent version for less than $100 on Amazon. Portable cribs work great for families who travel a lot or are expecting their little one to spend a lot of time at someone else’s house while they are away at work. Portable cribs aren’t ideal for extended use, though, and should be considered very carefully over the benefits of a pack and play. Aside from that, portable cribs often require a special, smaller type of mattress and you would need to find one of those as well.

Dream On Me Full Size Play Yard, Navy

The Dream On Me 2-in-1 Portable Crib comes in several different colors and can be used or taken down in just a few minutes. Featured mainly as a regular crib, the second aspect of this model is the playpen feature which lowers the mattress to the bottom of the structure. Once you’ve purchased the crib, mattress, and bedding you can literally have the entire package right around about $200 give or take a few bucks for your choice of bedding.

Cheap cribs are not hard to come by, but it is important for you to understand the standards that cribs have nowadays. While you might like to receive a crib from a family member for free, there are new requirements for cribs in order to protect your child from potential harm. You should never purchase or take a crib that is more than 10 years old as the requirements and laws are always changing. All of the cribs featured here are up to code, up to standard, and have no current recalls. An expensive, heavy, substantial crib might seem like the way to go, but cheap cribs can look just as impressive without you having to pay for them into your child’s teen years.