Round baby cribs

Although conventional rectangular cribs are still the norm, round cribs have become an alternative. Fans of round cribs say the absence of hard corners makes them safer, but according to critics, there's no evidence that they actually cause fewer injuries. Round cribs tend to be larger and roomier than rectangular models, meaning they take up significantly more space in the nursery, and they don't fit well into a corner or against a wall. They're also more expensive than standard cribs, and Baby Bargains editors caution parents considering a round crib to calculate the total price – including any specialty mattresses and bed linens -- before making a decision.

Little Miss Liberty's Millennium Wood Crib (*est. $1,000) is highly rated in About.com's review of the top ten round cribs, where Heather Corley mentions the crib's hardwood construction, the double drop sides and the locking casters. She also likes the configurable dome that can be assembled four ways: standard, canopy, fluted or round. Others say this crib is simply too expensive. Although the Millennium crib does come with a mattress, the specialized bedding, which ranges from a simple contour sheet (*est. $40) to a universal canopy set (*est. $450 to $1,000) costs extra. Little Miss Liberty does make a less expensive version, the Injection Molded Dura Crib (*est. $500). Otherwise similar to the Millennium, the Dura is made of high-impact plastic with a white finish. It has two drop sides, a multi-position base, a configurable dome and four wheels (two are locking wheels). Both the Millennium and the Dura cribs are about 45 inches in diameter, making them practical only in large spaces.

A simpler model, the Angel Line Round Baby Crib (*est. $500 to $900) , is mentioned by About.com's Heather Corley's as a top round crib. Less expensive than most other wooden round cribs, the Angel Line comes with casters, a drop side and two mattress positions. Several online retailers include both the mattress and the bedding in the price, putting it on par with high-end rectangular cribs. One negative is its size -- at 46 inches in diameter, it takes up slightly more space even than Little Miss Liberty's cribs. Other reviewers say the Angel Line crib is a good value if you're sure you want a round crib.