The IKEA Sniglar and Gulliver are often compared, but they primarily serve different stages of a child's growth: the Sniglar is a baby crib, while the Gulliver is a toddler bed. The Sniglar starts as a crib for newborns that can later convert into a bed, whereas the Gulliver is specifically designed as a standalone "first bed" for toddlers transitioning out of a crib.
This comparison will help you understand the specific purpose of each bed so you can decide which piece from IKEA is right for your family's needs.
IKEA Sniglar Crib
The Sniglar is IKEA's most minimalist and budget-friendly crib, praised by parents for its simple solid wood construction and no-frills functionality. Its unfinished solid beech wood gives it a classic Scandinavian look that works in almost any nursery aesthetic. The crib is designed to grow with your baby, featuring two mattress height positions and the ability to remove one side to convert it into a toddler bed.
- What it is: A solid wood, convertible baby crib designed for infants from birth up to toddlerhood.
- Key features: Made of solid beech wood, features two mattress height levels, one side can be removed to convert it into a daybed/toddler bed.
- Price: Around $100-$150.
- Dimensions: ~52" long x 29" wide x 33" high. Fits a standard 27 ½" x 52" crib mattress.
- Materials/Construction: The frame, spindles, and bed base are all made of solid beech wood.
- Style: Unfinished, natural Scandinavian minimalist design. Simple, clean lines that are easy to adapt to any decor style.
- Pros: Extremely affordable for a solid wood crib. Versatile design suits many nursery themes. Converts to a toddler bed, offering longer use. Lightweight and relatively easy to assemble. Two mattress heights are useful for different stages of baby's mobility.
- Cons: The simple design can feel too basic for some. Natural wood is softer and can show dents and scratches easily. Requires purchasing a separate toddler guard rail for full conversion.
This crib is the ideal choice for parents seeking an affordable, non-toxic, and truly minimalist foundation piece for their nursery that can adapt as their child grows.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/sniglar-cot-beech-30248537/
IKEA Gulliver Toddler Bed
The Gulliver bed is purpose-built to make a child's transition from a crib to their first "big kid" bed as safe and easy as possible. Its key feature is its low-to-the-ground frame, which allows toddlers to climb in and out independently and minimizes the risk of injury from a fall. Most models also include a guard rail for added security during the night, offering peace of mind for parents.
- What it is: A low-profile toddler bed designed as a transitional step between a crib and a standard twin bed.
- Key features: Low frame for easy access, includes a solid wood guard rail, available in simple finishes like white or birch.
- Price: Around $70-$150.
- Dimensions: ~65" long x 30" wide x 22" high. Uses a specific toddler-sized mattress (27 ½" x 63").
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of solid birch or beech wood, with headboards and footboards often constructed from fibreboard with a painted finish.
- Style: Clean, classic, and simple. Its rounded edges and painted finishes give it a slightly softer look than the raw Sniglar.
- Pros: Very safe for toddlers thanks to its low height and included guard rail. Empowers children by allowing them to get in and out of bed on their own. Affordable price for a dedicated toddler bed. The included slatted base provides good air circulation for the mattress.
- Cons: Only serves one specific stage of childhood (approx. ages 1.5 to 4). Requires a specific size mattress that is not a standard twin. Uses a mix of solid and engineered wood.
The Gulliver is perfect for parents who want a safe, dedicated, and confidence-building first bed for their toddler without breaking the bank.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/gulliver-bed-frame-with-slatted-bed-base-birch-s19245511/
Sniglar vs. Gulliver Comparison
Product Type & Age Range
This is the most critical difference. The Sniglar is a crib, designed for newborns and infants. With its high rails, it safely contains a baby who cannot yet climb. It can last from birth until about age two or three, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed. The Gulliver is not for infants. It is a toddler bed designed specifically for children who have outgrown their crib and are ready for more independence, usually between 1.5 and 4 years old. You wouldn't buy a Gulliver for a newborn, and you wouldn't buy a Sniglar for a three-year-old who has already moved on from a crib.
Safety & Features
Both beds prioritize safety for their intended age groups. The Sniglar crib features fixed rails and two mattress positions - a higher one for newborns and a lower one for babies who can sit or pull themselves up. The Gulliver's safety is all about the transition to independence. Its low-to-the-ground frame and included guard rail prevent falls and make it easy for small children to use the bed on their own without help.
Dimensions & Sizing
While both frames have a similar width, the Sniglar is a standard US crib size (approx. 52" long), designed to fit a standard crib mattress. The Gulliver toddler bed is longer (approx. 65" long) and requires a specific IKEA toddler or extendable mattress. The Gulliver's overall height is much lower, emphasizing its floor-level design, while the Sniglar is taller to accommodate its high infant-safe rails.
Materials & Construction
The Sniglar is prized for being made almost entirely of solid beech wood, giving it a durable and natural feel. In contrast, the Gulliver often uses a combination of solid wood for its rails and structural components, supplemented with fibreboard or particleboard for panels like the headboard and footboard, which are then given a painted finish.
Price & Value
Both products represent excellent value and are very affordable. The Sniglar offers value through its longevity - it can potentially serve as a child's bed from birth up to age 3 or 4. The Gulliver offers value as a specialized, low-cost solution that perfectly addresses the safety and developmental needs of a toddler's first bed. It solves a short-term need perfectly without a large investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both are excellent IKEA products, they are not direct competitors. Your choice depends entirely on your child's age and current needs.
Choose the Sniglar crib if:
- You are furnishing a nursery for a newborn or baby.
- You want one economical piece of furniture to last from infancy through the toddler years.
- You appreciate the simple, raw aesthetic of unfinished solid wood.
- You want the ability to choose your mattress height based on your baby's mobility.
Choose the Gulliver toddler bed if:
- Your child has outgrown their crib and is ready for their first "big kid" bed.
- Safety features like a low height and an included guard rail are your top priorities.
- You want to encourage your toddler's independence to get in and out of bed on their own.
- You already have a crib and just need a dedicated transitional bed for the next couple of years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Sniglar and Gulliver?
The main difference is their purpose and intended age group. The Sniglar is a baby crib that holds a baby from birth and can convert into a toddler bed later. The Gulliver is strictly a toddler bed for children who are moving out of a crib.
Can the Sniglar be used as a toddler bed?
Yes, one side of the Sniglar crib can be removed to convert it into a daybed-style toddler bed. For added safety, IKEA often sells a separate guard rail attachment (like the VIKARE) to prevent roll-offs.
At what age is the Gulliver bed appropriate?
The Gulliver is typically appropriate for children from around 18 months to 4 years old, or whenever they are physically able to climb out of their crib and need a safer sleeping arrangement.
Do the Sniglar and Gulliver beds come with a mattress?
No, like most IKEA bed frames, mattresses are sold separately. The Sniglar requires a standard crib mattress (27 ½" x 52"), and the Gulliver requires a specific IKEA mattress size for toddler beds (27 ½” x 63").
Which one is easier to assemble?
Both the Sniglar and Gulliver are designed for straightforward self-assembly using IKEA's picture-based instructions. Because the Gulliver has fewer large parts (no tall side rails), some people may find it slightly quicker to put together.
Is the solid wood on the Sniglar treated or finished?
The Sniglar crib's solid beech wood is left in its natural, untreated state with no paint, stain, or lacquer. IKEA ensures the wood is smoothed and safe for infants. Parents should not add their own finish, as it's not compliant with bed construction guidelines.
Which bed is safer?
Both are extremely safe for their intended user. The Sniglar is safe for a baby because its high rails prevent them from falling out. The Gulliver is safe for a rambunctious toddler because its low height and guard rail prevent injury from falls while allowing for independence.
Can I use a regular twin mattress with the Gulliver?
No, the Gulliver toddler bed is not wide or long enough to accommodate a standard twin mattress. It is designed specifically for IKEA's line of toddler and extendable mattresses.
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