drop-side crib or not??

Who registered or purchased a crib with a drop-side? I am torn between two cribs and one has it while the other does not. I am leaning towards the one that does not because overall I think it's better made, but am unsure if I will regret not having the drop-down side. Many that have it say the hardly use it anyway. DH is just concerned that if I have a C-section, I might not be able to put the baby down easily without it.

Any thoughts? Please post brands and models if you have.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

The mattress will be all the way up so you will hardly have to bend into the crib after your csection. I'm 5'3 and never had any problems with a non drop side crib. I didn't really like any drop sides so I went with a stationary from Munire Newport Series and 2 years later I am still happy with my purchase There are pics in my album.

Message edited 4/15/2008 7:28:46 AM.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Posted by BlessedMommy

The mattress will be all the way up so you will hardly have to bend into the crib after your csection. I'm 5'3 and never had any problems with a non drop side crib. I didn't really like any drop sides so I went with a stationary from Munire Newport Series and 2 years later I am still happy with my purchase

Re: drop-side crib or not??

When I went nursery shopping. the lady I spoke to said that most of the convertible cribs dont have the drop down sides- not sure if that will alter your decision in getting one or not.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

When I went crib shopping, every crib I tried that had a drop down side I couldn't get the side to move I didn't know ifi it was because it was a floor sample or not but didn't want to take that chance.

I never regreted not having a drop down side

Re: drop-side crib or not??

I got the Peyton Bonavita with the drop side. My son is only 4.5 months old so I haven't had to drop the mattress yet but I am happy with the drop side. I also struggled with the same decision - I just figured I would get it with the dropside and not use it if I didn't need to.

I had a c-section and it was helpful for me to have the dropside. Actually in the first month, we didn't always raise the dropside since he wasn't moving.

As the other posters mentioned, I am sure you will be fine without a dropside as well.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

When I was shopping I had my crib choices narrowed down to one that had a drop side and one that did not. I chose the one with the drop side. My Mom pointed out that when the baby is larger, heavier and mobile and you have the mattress dropped, it is very hard to lean over and put them down if they've fallen asleep in your arms without waking them. When they're tiny its easy because the mattress is so high that you don't have to bend over the railing. I shopped several stores before finding a good quality drop side crib that will move effortlessly and silently and am very happy with the final choice.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

I had an awkward time trying to maneuver the drop-sides of the drop-side cribs. We went with a lower profile crib in general. The sides are all low so bending doesn't seem to be an issue...AP Industries Element crib.

Message edited 4/15/2008 9:33:25 AM.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

thanks everyone. we keep going back and forth with this

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Ours is not a drop-side. Never really contemplated the benefits of either. Just fell in love with the one we got

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Posted by BlessedMommy

The mattress will be all the way up so you will hardly have to bend into the crib after your csection. I'm 5'3 and never had any problems with a non drop side crib. I didn't really like any drop sides so I went with a stationary from Munire Newport Series and 2 years later I am still happy with my purchase There are pics in my album.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

We purchased a non-drop side crib as well to manuver the drop sides seem hard to me.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

DH and I are both tall and since neither one of us have back problems (as of this moment in time), we prefer a crib with as few movable parts as possible. We went for a standard crib that converts to a full size bed - no drop side.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Ours in not drop side. I just like the way the non-drop side cribs look in general.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

I am short, so we had to have one with a drop side. I tried the models in the store and I would have needed a step stool to reach the mattress if it was on the lowest setting. I know by that time the baby will be old enough to stand, but i didn't want to have to struggle to put down a sleeping child.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Both my DC have drop-side cribs (both convert to a toddler bed.) You will not need to use the drop side until you lower the mattress. SO it shouldn't matter whether or not you have a c-section.

My mother made me promise to get a drop side crib. She said my SIL didn't have one and she hated babysitting and trying to get the baby into the crib. At first I was annoyed because I like the look of the non-drop sides better. But mama was right, I honestly couldn't imagine not having one (esp now that I'm pregnant again.) I can barely get my 26 lb DD over the rail and down on her back with the side down

I have the Bonavita Sheffield (see pic) for DD and Bonavita Peyton for DS (can't find pic).

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Re: drop-side crib or not??

I have one suggestion. If you're on the short side, please get it...its really great! I don't have one but my niece does and she is a shorty and it makes things so much easier.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

we're both rather tall, and like Leslie, prefer less moving parts.

our only requirements for the crib is a drawer on the bottom for storing linens, and that it converts into a toddler bed.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

If you're short I think it matters. I didn't have a drop side for my older daughter and it was difficult when she got older and we lowered the mattress. When I was pregnant with #2 it was almost impossible. I made sure to get a drop side for my now 2 month old. The disadvantage is that the don't convert to full size beds, only toddler beds but I decided it didn't matter. DD#2 has a smaller room so she would need a twin bed anyway. If you do get one, it has to be a quality one so it doesn't get wobbly over time. I have a Bonavita Heritage and I love it.

Re: drop-side crib or not??

Thanks ladies! DH is 6 feet and I'm about 5'5", so I think I'd be fine either way. We narrowed it down to three models, one is a drop, the others are not. Part of me feels that the less moving parts, the better.