Baby crib with bars: safety and comfort for peaceful nights

Categories: Baby Universe
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Crib with bars comparison: safety & comfort guaranteed

The crib with bars is the reference choice to ensure your baby's safety and comfort. With an adjustable base, healthy materials and suitable designs, this crib offers an evolving, safe and soothing sleeping space. This guide supports you in your choice by highlighting essential criteria: safety standards, design, mattress, adaptability and alternatives.

Choosing a crib with bars: the fundamentals

The crib with bars is favored for its reliability. Compliant with European standards (NF EN 716), it prevents falls thanks to its bars spaced 4.5 to 6.5 cm apart. The adjustable base makes parents' daily life easier and adapts to the child's age.

What type of crib with bars to choose?

Model

Sleeping dimensions

Strengths

Ideal for

Built-in storage

Style

Mooréa (twins)

2× (40×80 → 70×140)

Twin sleeping, space-saving, very complete

Families with twins

✅ Changing table + drawers

Sleek Scandinavian

Evidence

70×140 cm

Simple convertible bed, clean design, excellent value

Only child, parents seeking simplicity

Contemporary neutral

Vintage Icon

70×140 cm

Retro style, convertible with removable rails

Vintage design lovers

Vintage 

Calisson

40×80 → 70×140 cm

Integrated changing table, 3 convertible stages

First baby, small bedroom

✅ Combined changing table

Modern/wood mix

Octave Vintage

70×140 cm

Retro look, refined design, comfort

Parents attached to vintage decor style

Colorful Vintage

Bohemian Wood Sand

70×140 cm → 90x190 cm

Natural and soft look, trendy light wood

Soothing atmosphere, natural decor bedroom

✅ (combined)

Bohemian / natural

White Heritage

70×140 cm

Premium materials, sleek style, durable

Demanding parents (quality + aesthetics)

Premium Scandinavian

Why the crib with bars remains the ideal solution?

A safe and well-designed space

From birth, this crib prevents risks of entrapment or falls. Its firm, perfectly fitted mattress prevents suffocation risks. The NF EN 716 standard guarantees a sturdy and secure structure.

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Visibility and ease of use

Vertical bars allow you to keep an eye on baby while ensuring good ventilation. The adjustable base (2 or 3 levels) simplifies daily care and follows the child's growth.

A long-term investment

Some models convert into junior beds or even children's beds, extending their use until 6-7 years. A durable, practical and economical choice.

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Baby crib with or without bars: what to choose?

The choice between a baby crib with or without bars depends on safety and independence needs. The crib with bars, ideal for infants, prevents falls and allows easy monitoring. It is regulated and provides a safe frame from birth.

On the other hand, cribs without bars, such as Montessori-style floor beds, are better suited for more independent children, generally after 12 months. They promote freedom of movement but require a perfectly secured bedroom. For the first months, a crib with bars remains the best option.

What to check before buying a crib with bars

Standards and materials

Make sure the crib meets NF EN 716 standards. Choose sturdy materials such as solid wood (beech, pine) for legs and bars or engineered wood panels, with non-toxic water-based paints. 

Spacing and height

The bars must be spaced 4.5 to 6.5 cm apart. The rail must be at least 60 cm high (from the mattress in its lowest position) to prevent falls.

The mattress: not to be overlooked

The baby mattress must be firm, breathable, 10 to 12 cm thick, and perfectly fitted to the crib. Oeko-Tex certifications and washable covers are a plus for health and hygiene.

Safety summary for crib with bars

  • Crib certified NF EN 716
  • Bar spacing between 4.5 and 6.5 cm
  • Solvent-free paints
  • Firm and fitted mattress
  • No sharp corners

Crib with bars, floor bed, co-sleeper: what to choose?

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Crib with bars: optimal safety

Recommended for the first months, it prevents falls and provides a reassuring frame. Can be used until 3-4 years with a convertible model.

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Floor bed: independence

Inspired by the Montessori method, the floor bed promotes independence but requires a perfectly secured bedroom.

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Co-sleeper: proximity

Ideal for the first 6 months, it makes nights easier but remains a temporary solution.

Comparison table of different types of baby cribs

Criterion

Crib with bars

Floor bed

Co-sleeper

Anti-fall safety

✅ high

❌ low

✅ high

Child's independence

❌ low

✅ very good

❌ none

Duration of use

✅ long

✅ long

❌ very short

Parents' peace of mind

✅ optimal

⚠ average

✅ good

Footprint

✅ standard

⚠ variable

✅ low

A crib that grows with your baby

Adjustable base:
adaptability

High position for newborns, intermediate as soon as baby sits up, low as soon as they stand. This system extends the crib's use safely.

Dimensions:
60x120 or 70x140 cm?

The 60x120 cm is suitable until 2-3 years. The 70x140 cm, being larger, can be used until 6-7 years if it's convertible.

When to switch to a junior bed?

Around 18 months - 3 years, if the child climbs, gets stuck, or asks for a “big kid bed”. Convertible models make this transition easier.

Practical tips for installing the crib with bars

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Secure assembly

Follow the instructions carefully. Check screws and bar spacing. Avoid old cribs that don't meet current standards.

Minimalist bedding: more safety

No pillows, duvets, stuffed animals or crib bumpers. Opt for a sleep sack and fitted sheet.

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The crib with bars: safety, style and durability combined

Reliable and eco-friendly materials

PEFC-certified solid wood or engineered wood panels, water-based paints, healthy finishes. Scandinavian design remains trendy: clean lines, light colors.

Integration into the bedroom

The bed is the centerpiece. Choose a model that suits your decor: light wood for a soft atmosphere, bright colors to energize the space.

Painting a wall behind the bed also helps structure the sleeping area.

Frequently asked questions about cribs with bars

From birth until 3-4 years depending on the model's convertibility.

Between 4.5 and 6.5 cm to avoid any risk.

The crib with bars with adjustable base, firm mattress and suitable dimensions.

Around 18 months - 3 years, when the child climbs or desires more independence.

No, if they meet standards and are properly assembled.

Longer usage duration, convertible and economical.

Respect standards, adjust mattress height, leave nothing in the crib.

Around 6 months (sitting position), then around 10 months (standing).

By choosing a compliant crib with bars, you guarantee your baby peaceful nights in a safe and aesthetic cocoon.