Putting a crib inside might seem overwhelming for new parents loading up their vehicles for relocation or a lengthy journey. As a result of its size and fragility, cribs provide a special problem when it comes to moving.
Find out whether your crib will fit in your SUV with the help of this in-depth article that answers all your questions.
We’ll look at standard crib measurements, SUV length and width, tips for disassembling and loading the crib, and potential fallbacks if the vehicle is too small.
You will finish this section with enough information to help you proceed easily. Let’s get started!
So, Can you fit a baby crib into an SUV?
A regular-sized SUV should be able to transport most cribs. It is crucial to know the dimensions of both the crib you will be packing and the SUV you will be using since certain SUVs have more limited luggage space than others. It may be necessary to disassemble a crib before loading it into a midsize or small SUV.
Table of Contents
Understanding Crib Sizes
Despite its adaptability, cribs often serve one of many distinct functions. Knowing the dimensions of your crib and whether or not it can be disassembled is essential if you want to transport it in a minivan or SUV. Typical examples include the following:
Standard Cribs
Cribs considered “standard” are usually the width and length of a normal crib mattress, which is 28 inches and 52 inches, respectively. Moving a normal crib in the back of an SUV is possible since most of them can be dismantled.
Small cots Miniature cribs
Often called toddler beds, have dimensions of 24 inches in width and 38 inches in length. They’re lightweight, compact, and simple to disassemble and reassemble, so you can take them anywhere.
Convertible cribs
These cribs that grow with your kid may be transformed from a crib to a toddler bed and even a full-sized bed. Their crib proportions are comparable to ordinary cribs. However, extra pieces for conversion may need more room. These, like regular cribs, are usually dismantled.
Travel Cribs
These lightweight and collapsible cribs are designed for simple traveling and often fit into a small carry bag. Sizes vary but are typically smaller than regular cribs and intended for easy construction and disassembly.
Remember that new cribs are often delivered in a box, unassembled. You may travel your crib in the same space-saving manner by dismantling it. Before transporting your crib into an SUV, double-check its precise measurements and disassembly instructions.
Dimensions of SUV Cargo Space
Understanding the cargo area measurements is essential when determining whether or not a crib will fit in your SUV. SUVs vary in size and load capacity. Here are some typical SUV measurements.
- Compact SUVs: When the back seats are folded down, the cargo capacity of most compact SUVs is between 50 and 75 cubic feet. Depending on the model, the loading length is from 50 to 60 inches.
- Midsize SUVs: These SUVs provide larger cargo space. When the back seats are folded down, the load capacity of a midsize SUV increases to between 80 and 100 cubic feet. The maximum loading length is 78 inches.
- Large SUVs: The biggest SUVs, known as “full-size SUVs,” often have a load capacity of up to 120 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. They have a maximum loading length of nearly 80 inches.
These measurements provide a broad indication of the cargo capacity available in SUVs. However, knowing the precise specifications of your individual SUV type is critical since they might vary. This information may be found in the user manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Fitting a Crib into Specific SUV Models
Understanding the size of your SUV is an important component of assessing if a dismantled crib will fit. To give you a better idea, here’s a rundown of how to fit a crib inside various popular SUV models:
Compact SUVs
- Honda CR-V: A standard or mini crib should fit comfortably when disassembled with about 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space and a loading length of 60 inches.
- Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 provides approximately 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space and a loading length of 57 inches. A disassembled standard or mini crib should fit if you maneuver the pieces strategically.
- Subaru Outback: With about 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a loading length of 60 inches, the Outback should comfortably accommodate a disassembled standard or mini crib.
Midsize SUVs
- Toyota Highlander: With its 843 cubic feet of luggage capacity and 73 inches of loading length, the Toyota Highlander is large enough to transport a dismantled regular, mini, or convertible crib.
- Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s loading length of 78 inches and volume of 87.8 cubic feet mean that it can accommodate a variety of dismantled cribs, including regular, small, and convertible models.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot’s cargo volume of 83.9 cubic feet and a loading length of 72 inches should allow for transporting any dismantled crib, even ones that need assembly.
Large SUVs
- Ford Expedition: The Ford Expedition has enough cargo room (104.6 cubic feet) and length (80 inches) to transport any dismantled crib, even ones that include additional pieces (such as convertible cribs).
- BMW X7: Despite its lesser luggage capacity (90.4 cubic feet) and loading length (75 inches), the X7 should transport any dismantled crib comfortably.
- Chevrolet Suburban: The enormous cargo area of the Suburban, at about 121.7 cubic feet, and a loading length of 100 inches, makes it easy to suit any crib type.
Note that your SUV’s actual dimensions may differ from these estimations depending on its make, model, year, etc. Never try to transport a dismantled crib into a car that doesn’t match its exact measurements.
Disassembling a Crib for Transportation
It may seem daunting to disassemble a crib for relocation, but with little planning and time, it can be done. Always put safety first; therefore, ensure adequate working conditions and equipment. Generalized Procedure:
- Read the Manual: Have a look at the Instructions. If you have access to it, read the crib’s instructions. Instructions on how to dismantle the crib are often included. You may get digital copies of crib manuals online for many models.
- Prepare Your Tools: Get your tools ready to assemble and disassemble a crib; you’ll likely need a screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Before beginning, ensure that you have all of the required tools on hand.
- Remove the Mattress: Start by removing the crib mattress. This should leave you with just the frame of the crib.
- Disassemble the Frame: Take Apart the Structure Most cribs feature hardware, such screws or bolts, connecting the four walls. Carefully remove these screws, and the crib’s sides will separate. A removable crib foundation is a feature of several models. Avoid breaking the crib by being patient and gentle.
- Organize All Screws and Parts: As you disassemble the crib, keep track of all screws, bolts, and other small parts. Place them in a labeled bag to avoid misplacing them. You’ll need these for reassembly.
- Wrap for Protection: Once disassembled, wrap each crib part in a protective material, like bubble wrap or moving blankets, especially if they’re wooden or painted. This helps prevent scratches and other damage during transit.
To fit a crib in an SUV, it is often necessary to disassemble it. To ensure your kid is safe, you should always reassemble it properly.
Safely Loading and Securing a Crib in an SUV
You must carefully load a crib into it to prevent damaging your SUV and crib.
Before loading, ensure sure the car is parked flat. Clear the cargo compartment and cover the crib with a blanket or padding to preserve the SUV’s interior.
Disassembled crib pieces should be carefully arranged to prevent movement during shipment. Larger components may be secured using straps or bungee cords.
Alternatives for Crib Transportation
If your crib doesn’t fit in your SUV, there are options. Since the crib sections are wrapped and fastened, you may attach them to your SUV’s roof rack.
Renting a bigger car or compact moving truck is another alternative, particularly for longer trips.
Finally, consider hiring a furniture moving service.
Tips for Reassembling a Crib
The last step is reassembling the crib. Refer to the crib’s manual or your last notes to guarantee safe assembly.
Check the crib’s locking wheels and adjustable sides to ensure they operate.
Ensure the mattress fits tightly in the crib without gaps that might be a safety risk.
Have someone else double-check your work to guarantee the crib is safe and ready to use. Your child’s safety comes first.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fitting a crib in an SUV is possible, provided you disassemble it, and your vehicle has enough cargo space.
Each SUV model varies, so knowing your vehicle’s dimensions is crucial. With careful planning and safe loading practices, you can transport your crib with ease and safety.
