The Best Guide for Baby Cribs & Nursery beds

With so many different types of cribs and toddler beds available in the market, it can seem overwhelming for you to choose one.

How do you know that you are going to choose the right one to fit your needs and blend in with your existing furniture?

When you begin thinking about the type of baby crib that you are going to purchase, there is a lot more for you to consider besides the color.

Because there are so many different types of cribs out there you have to consider each style.

The above are based on the various customer reviews and also the views of our readers.

Our list of popular full size cribs are also matching with the above list.

✅ This specific Baby Crib is the most popular

No products found.

It is a best seller crib and is reasonably priced and good quality. It comes with Free shipping for Prime members on Amazon.

Read the consumer reports and reviews here for for this  folding portable one with adjustable height.

This sleeper can allow your baby sleep next to you without sharing the same bed.

It is suitable from birth to 5 months infants

Choosing the Right Type of Crib for Your Baby

As parents, all of us want what is best for our babies.

This means that the first thing that we need to think about when it comes to the type of crib that your baby will use is safety.

After you ensure that the crib or nursery bed that you want for your baby is safe, there is no wrong answer concerning the type of crib or nursery bed that you choose.

What You Should Consider

If you know what you are looking for in a crib or nursery bed or Toddler bed, you will find that finding that perfect crib is a pleasure.

Once you answer all seven of these questions you are going to start to realize exactly what you want in a crib.

What Type of Crib?

Of course, there are a ton of different types of cribs that you are going to be able to choose from and it is important to ensure that not only does the crib fit your space, but it fits your lifestyle as well.

Standard Crib

This is the type of Basic Cribs that most of us are used to. They are a traditional crib that is the baby’s first bed. Some of the standard cribs will have hinged sides that are going to make it easier for you to get your baby out.

These full-size cribs come in different types and models.

As per US Regulations, internal measurements of standard size cribs are 52 inches by 28 inches, but external measurements differ up to few inches, depending on the different types and crib models since their frameworks have multiple designs and shapes.

Cribs are also made from different materials, so the thickness of the crib’s framework can also be very different.

Some standard size baby cribs have bulky or sleek design, and if we are talking about full-size combo cribs, overall dimensions are even bigger.

This is a great option if you plan on having another baby soon.

Mini Cribs

These can sometimes be a better choice to a full-size crib.

If you live in an apartment or small house, it is a perfect solution for you.

They became popular because of space issues faced by modern families.

That’s why mini cribs are designed specifically for small spaces. They are also good due to other qualities.

The internal measurements of mini cribs are 38 inches by 24 inches.

You could buy one if you need a second crib to use at your mother’s house or maybe for your summer house.

Some mini cribs can fold up, so it is easy to store the crib until your next visit.

Convertible Cribs

A convertible crib is a crib that can be converted into a junior bed and then finally into a child’s full-sized bed. Convertible cribs allow you to save money when your baby begins growing from the crib into a toddler bed. Most children do not use these beds for more than three years, which is considerably less than the cost of a standard high quality toddler bed, full sized bed and headboard. 

Convertible cribs are convenient and economical in that they eliminate the need to buy all pieces separately.

Co-Sleeping Crib/bedside cribs or co-sleeping Cradle

A co-sleeping crib/ bedside crib is going to have one side that does not have a rail all the way up. This is going to allow you to place the crib next to your bed and sleep with your baby within arms reach without having the baby in your bed with you.

This is a great crib for those that are breastfeeding or that want that closeness with their baby while still ensuring that the baby is safe.

The co-sleeping cradle is going to actually place the baby in the bed with you however, they will be in a cradle which ensures that they are safer than if they were just sleeping on your mattress.

Moses Basket

A Moses basket is a small basket (like the one Moses was placed in) that will allow you to keep your baby near you when they are sleeping.

This is for babies who are in the early months of their lives.

This is a good option if you are not comfortable leaving the baby sleeping while you do chores around the house.

Just pick up the basket and take the baby into whatever room you are going into.

Cradle

A cradle is a great option for a very young baby.

It is a tiny version of a crib however; it is usually bigger than a bassinet as well as heavier.

Some cradles are made out of wood and can rock or glide. A cradle is a great option if you want both a portable and a stationary option for your baby.

Bassinet

A bassinet is a small basket that is much like the Moses basket.

However they have legs and some of them have a cover or a hood.

These are meant for babies 4 months and younger.

They are not safe for older babies that are starting to move around.

Bassinets are great if you want to bring your baby into your bedroom for the first few months of their life but also want to ensure their safety by keeping the baby out of your bed.

Because bassinets are so small and because they are portable, you can move them around your house which is great for new parents who want to keep an eye on their sleeping baby.

Best for a New-born

According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), a baby should sleep in the same room as their parents (not the same bed) for at least the first six months of their lives.

Because of this many parents find that a bassinet, cradle, or a mini crib are the best option for them.

However, if you want your baby to sleep in the nursery by themselves you may choose a full-sized crib.

When you choose a full-sized crib, you want to make sure that the sheets fit tightly, that there are no blankets or other accessories such as a crib bumper, pillows, or stuffed animals, to reduce the risk of suffocation

The baby needs only a mattress and crib sheets.

It is also important to ensure that the area that you place the bassinet, cradle or crib in is safe.

You will need to ensure that there are no wires, electrical outlets that baby’s fingers may get in, or curtain cords which could strangle the baby near the area where the crib or nursery bed will be.

Choosing the Right Crib

When you are choosing the right crib, you will want to consider a few things.

Frequently asked Questions

Best place for your Baby’s Crib

Ideally you should place your babies crib near the door of your babies room so that you can reach it quickly  during an emergency or in the night.

Also follow these safety guidelines:

1.Never place it near the window as the baby can  get caught in the drapes or window blind cords .

2. Keep it away from electrical cords and do not place it under any shelves as anything heavy could fall on the baby.

3.Make sure that nothing is hanging over the crib with strings or ribbons.

How to Choose the Best Crib Bedding for Your Baby

Choosing the right crib bedding is important for the safety and comfort of your child in addition to also making your nursery look good. 

To learn what you should buy please read our guide here.

Also make sure to learn about what to buy from online sources and visiting Baby furniture shops

What Are the Types of Crib Mattresses?

Different types are available in the market and it is important to make sure that you get a good quality one.

The type you buy is a matter of personal choice there are several options such as:

• Innerspring mattresses
• Foam mattresses
• Double sided mattresses

Each have their advantages and disadvantages and the price varies considerably

Bassinet or crib: Which one is better for baby?

All cribs and bassinet sold in the United States have to comply with certain safety standards.

Both are equally safe for your baby.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the guidelines for the standards and you can check out their website for more information.

Bassinets are a cheaper alternative to baby cribs and they help you to save money and space. They are suitable for parents who prefer to have the baby sleep beside them. 

However they can handle smaller weights and generally your baby will outgrow them in a few months.

However make sure you don’t have any spaces which are more than two fingers. 

Why are drop side cribs unsafe?

Fact of the matter is, drop side cribs are unsafe because they can get detached and create a gap big enough to let a toddler fall through – and potentially hurt themselves. Drop side cribs were voluntarily recalled in 2007 after multiple incidents resulting in at least 30 infant fatalities. They were banned by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2011 .You can read about it here.

Conclusion

To be honest, cribs are huge matter for any parent.

We hope we have been able to give you some guidelines and things to look out for to make the perfect choice.

Very often you don’t realize how huge until you actually have it set up in the nursery, so make sure that you know how much space you have for your baby’s bed.

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