A $70 Crib? Meet the Ikea Sniglar Crib!
In a world where parents can spend thousands of dollars on a crib, it's easy to overlook a simple crib that costs just $69.99. But Ikea's Sniglar crib, though it has a funny name, is no joke. This basic crib has found a home in many nurseries around the world, thanks to its low-key style that fits with almost any decor.
Sniglar comes in just one color, and it's the raw wood in its natural color. The crib is made of solid beech, and has simple, squared off slats around the whole frame.
There are two mattress height positions. Ikea recommends that you use one of their crib mattresses with the Sniglar crib, so that's my official recommendation, too. However, a quick search online shows that plenty of parents are using a non-Ikea brand mattress in this crib without any gaps or fit issues. For a safe sleep space, the mattress needs to fit the crib without leaving gaps where baby could become entrapped, and without bending or slanting as it would if the mattress were too big for the crib.
While the rather plain look of the Sniglar crib may not excite you right off the bat, consider that lots of more expensive modern look cribs also feature straight slats and not much else. Natural wood is also a popular finish on much more expensive cribs. Any crib can be dressed up with pretty crib bedding to create a nursery theme. The soft color of the wood looks equally as nice next to bold, bright bedding as it does with a neutral palette. Non-toxic paints and stains are readily available if you want to add some color to the Sniglar crib.
That $70 price tag gives you plenty of wiggle room in the budget for adding splashes of color to the nursery!
Some parents worry that a cheap crib might not be sturdy enough to be safe. It's a valid concern, to be sure. However, U.S. crib safety standards got a major update recently, and all cribs sold in the U.S. have to meet those standards. Each crib has to be tested as though a toddler is jumping on it. The hardware has to meet strength regulations. The slats and mattress supports need to be tested for durability. While there isn't much to the Sniglar crib, it is sturdy. The savings come from the simple design, and not at the expense of safety.
Three mattress height positions is pretty standard for cribs today, and the Sniglar crib only has two. That's one drawback, but it's not a huge disadvantage.
You can take off one side and use the crib as a toddler daybed. I like that extra rails and pieces aren't required to make that change. This crib doesn't convert to any other modes, though, such as a full size headboard. But again, with the savings in your crib budget, you can purchase a headboard later.
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