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?
Don’t worry. This article will show you everything you need to know about all of the different baby cribs and toddler beds available today to ensure that you make the best decision for you and your baby and buy the correct one.
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.
Hey! By the way… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it!
If you’re in a hurry…
and don’t know what to buy…
✅ Here are some great FULL SIZE baby cribs that new moms really do want and need.
✅ In case you are looking for some great MINI cribs, these ones are really popular
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
If you are short on space to accomodate the crib in your nursery or bedroom, you could go in for a FOLDABLE crib.
✅Check out these FOLDABLE CRIBS which Moms love for their babies.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Type of Crib for Your Baby
- What You Should Consider
- 1.How much space do you have?
- 2. If you have plenty of space
- 3.Do you want a portable crib on wheels or do you want a stationary one?
- 4.You should consider your height when you are picking out your crib.
- 5.How long do you plan on using the crib?
- 6.Do you need a travel crib to take with you when you are on the go?
- 7.Do you want your changing table to be part of your crib?
- 8.Quality and Safe Sleep environment with Sleek design.
- 9.Storage space
- What Type of Crib?
- Best for a New-born
- Choosing the Right Crib
- Frequently asked Questions
- Conclusion
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.
Ask yourself these basic questions and you will be clear about what is right for you
1.How much space do you have?
If you have a small space you may want to consider a mini crib. Check out some mini cribs on Amazon here.
2. If you have plenty of space
However, if you have plenty of space a full-sized crib might be right for you.
3.Do you want a portable crib on wheels or do you want a stationary one?
If you plan on moving the crib around frequently, then you should check out some portable models on Amazon.
4.You should consider your height when you are picking out your crib.
You do not want a crib that is so high that you are not going to be able to reach your baby. Choosing a low-profile crib might be a good idea for you.
5.How long do you plan on using the crib?
Do you want a Lifetime crib? You could select a convertible crib that is going to grow as your baby grows? These can turn into toddler beds and even twin-sized beds as your baby grows.
6.Do you need a travel crib to take with you when you are on the go?
If you travel a lot and need to take the crib along with you then you need a travel crib. You can check out some favorites here.
7.Do you want your changing table to be part of your crib?
If so you may want to choose a combo crib.
8.Quality and Safe Sleep environment with Sleek design.
Do you want the crib to comply with all Safety Standards and be free from harmful chemicals? It should be Baby safe and reduce the risk of Infant death.
Please make sure to avoid a Drop side crib as these are banned due to non-compliance with Crib Safety Standards.
9.Storage space
Innovative designs give you tons of storage space for all your baby stuff. Check out models which have adequate space for your needs.
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.
1.The safety of the baby is the most important thing for you to consider.
See that all current safety standards are complied with.
No harmful chemicals or Toxic chemicals should be used to ensure there are no chemical emissions.
2.The next thing that you want to focus on is the mattress support. If you are purchasing a crib that you want to last a while, you may want to consider purchasing one with a metal spring base. These tend to withstand being jumped on by a toddler much better than one with a base that is made out of wood.
3.Can you adjust the height of the mattress? When your baby is first born you are going to want to have the mattress up high. This is going to help you while you are healing from having a baby because you are not going to have to lean over the crib to place the baby on the mattress. It also makes it easier to place a sleeping baby in the crib without waking them up. However, as the baby gets older you will need to lower the mattress to ensure that the baby does not climb out or fall out of the crib.
4.The shape of the crib is also very important. This is one thing that many people overlook when they are purchasing a crib. However, if you do not have room for an oval nursery bed there is no point in getting your heart set on it.
5.Make sure that you know what size crib or nursery bed that will work for your space.
6.Taking the size of the space that you are living in is very important when choosing the best crib for you and your baby.
7.Remember to check if the product you are buying has been approved and hasn’t been recalled on Govt. approved sites
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.
If you found this post helpful please share it with your friends and relatives.
