Cribs for Twins: How to Choose Two Cribs for One Nursery

Cribs for twins will take up more room in the nursery than almost any other large piece of nursery furniture. Even a double armoire would usually have less visual and physical impact. So choosing the cribs wisely is very important. The first decision is not whether the cribs match. It is whether two safe sleep spaces will fit the room without blocking doors, closets, drawers or the walking path. Once that part works, you can decide between two full-size cribs, compact cribs or a mixed approach that fits the room better.

Plan Two Separate Sleep Spaces for Twins

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends separate sleep surfaces for twins and higher-order multiples rather than placing both babies on the same sleep surface. The AAP says the potential benefits of cobedding are outweighed by the risks, so I would plan the nursery around two separate crib spaces from the beginning.

You can review the AAP safe sleep recommendations.

Full-Size or Compact Cribs for Twins?

Two full-size cribs make sense if the room has enough wall length and you can still open the closet, dresser drawers and doors comfortably. I would choose them when the nursery can handle both crib footprints without making every other piece of furniture fight for space.

Compact cribs can make more sense in a genuinely small room. Before buying, compare the actual outside dimensions of the crib frames rather than assuming anything labeled mini or compact will save a huge amount of floor space.

If two standard cribs fit but leave the room crowded, I would reduce the rest of the furniture before trying to squeeze everything in. Two cribs and one good dresser can be plenty.

Should Twin Cribs Match?

Matching cribs are the easiest choice visually, especially when they will sit on the same wall or directly across from one another. If you're buying both at the same time and the same model fits twice, I would probably match them.

They do not have to match, though. Two different crib styles can still look intentional if the finishes relate to one another and the rest of the room ties them together.

The room does not need two versions of everything just because there are two babies.

Measure the Cribs Before You Buy the Rest of the Furniture

Use the outside dimensions of each crib when you plan the room. Then make sure doors, closet doors and dresser drawers can still open and that there is a comfortable walking path once both cribs are in place.

If you're deciding whether the cribs should go side by side, on opposite walls or at right angles, see my twin nursery layout ideas. That page handles the floor-plan choices in detail.

Keep Cribs Away From Window Cords

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends moving cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window-covering cords, preferably to another wall. CPSC also says cordless window coverings are the safest option when young children are present. You can review the CPSC window covering cord guidance.

If a crib only fits because it has to sit within reach of a window cord, I would choose another wall or change the window covering.

Keep Both Cribs Bare for Sleep

CPSC's current safe sleep guidance says “Bare is Best.” Use a crib intended for sleep that meets federal requirements and keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, bumpers and other soft items. A fitted sheet is enough. You can review the CPSC Safe Sleep guidance.

Decorate the room around the cribs instead. Wall color, artwork, rugs, lighting and fitted-sheet colors can give the nursery plenty of personality without putting loose items into either sleep space.

Once the Cribs Fit, Then Decorate

After the crib sizes and placement are settled, you can move on to the fun part. For finished-room inspiration, see my twin nursery pictures. For the broader decorating direction, use twin nursery ideas and themes.

If you're decorating for a boy and a girl, the boy and girl twin nursery ideas page goes into what I would match and what I would let differ.

What I Would Choose First

I would choose the two cribs before the dresser, chair or extra storage. Once you know exactly how much room both sleep spaces require, every other nursery decision gets easier.

If two full-size cribs fit comfortably, great. If they don't, compare compact crib dimensions before giving up useful walking space. Matching cribs are nice, but two safe sleep spaces that actually fit the room matter more.