For a healthy and happy baby, mamas know that children should not only eat well but sleep well too. To make sleeping time safe, peaceful, and comfortable for your baby, it's essential that they get the best baby crib your budget can afford.
If you're an expecting mother preparing your baby's nursery and you're still unsure of which baby crib to purchase, worry no more, mama. Here's a guide on the different types of baby cribs you can buy with tips on whether it's perfect for your storage space, lifestyle, needs, and of course, budget.
Different types of baby cribs
1. Standard Crib
A standard crib is a full-size baby crib made of different types of material, usually wood. It's the type of crib most parents may encounter when browsing the different types of cribs.
Benefits of choosing a Standard Baby Crib
- It has long-term value. You can utilize this baby crib from when your child's an infant until they're a toddler. Moreover, depending on the brand and design, it should be durable enough for your future children to use.
- Some designs come with a hinged side you can lower for easier pick-up. Additionally, there are designs where you can easily lower the mattress height when your baby starts growing up.
Things to consider before buying
- Compared to a bassinet or bedside sleeper, a standard baby crib may not be as limited budget-friendly.
- It may also not be travel-friendly, floor space-friendly, or storage space-friendly. Therefore, you will either need a large area designated in your room or a separate nursery room just for the crib.
Think the standard baby crib is the missing piece in your nursery? Then, check this out, mama: Lily and Tucker's Tyler Crib.
2. Convertible Baby Crib
A convertible baby crib, also known as a lifetime crib, this type can be converted to "grow" with your child by adjusting and attaching extra parts.
Benefits of choosing a Convertible Baby Crib
- It has long-term value. You can convert and adjust the size of the baby crib as your child grows up.
- In a way, you can save more because there's no need for you to keep buying new cribs.
Things to consider before buying
- It's not space-friendly.
- It's can be pricey especially if you're planning to buy the extra parts that'll allow the crib to accommodate your growing child.
Think the convertible baby crib is the perfect addition to your baby's nursery? Then, check these out, mama: Bonjour Baby's Multi-level Convertible Crib, Cuddlebug's Madison 3in1 Convertible Crib, DaVinci Baby's Poppy Regency 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, and Million Dollar Baby's Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib.
3. Mini or Portable Baby Crib
Simple and straightforward, the mini or portable baby crib of crib is a smaller version of a standard crib.
Benefits of choosing a Mini Baby Crib
- It's perfect for newborns and infants.
- It saves space. Ideal for parents who don't have a separate nursery and those who find standard cribs too big or expensive but also those who find bassinets too small. It's also ideal for those who would like to co-share in their bedroom.
- Depending on the brand, it can also come with mattress height settings that you can adjust according to your baby's age or height.
Things to consider before buying
- It doesn't provide long-term value given that the crib can only accommodate a small infant and should be replaced once the baby outgrows it.
Think the mini baby crib belongs in your baby's nursery? Then, check this out, mama: Cuddlebug's Ashley 2in1 Mini Crib
4. Bassinets, Cradles, or Bedside Sleepers
Bassinets or cradles are types of baby beds that are a smaller and lighter sleeping option ideal for infants.
Benefits of choosing a Bassinet
- It's portable and limited-space friendly since it can be stored and set up practically anywhere at home.
- When it comes to baby crib prices, the price of bassinets is more likely to be on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
- It's travel-friendly.
- It's useful for nursing moms or moms who are still in recovery given that this baby crib can be placed right by the bed of the parents.
Things to consider before buying
- It only has short-term value given that it can only be used up till your baby is 4 to 5 months old or until your baby can roll over and push themselves up on their hands and knees.
Think that your infant should try out sleeping in a bassinet, cradle, or bedside sleeper before moving on to a crib? Then, check these out, mama: Baby Delight's Silver Clouds Snuggle Nest Harmony Infant Sleeper, Giant Carrier's Baby Prints Geanna Pack & Carry, Juju Nursery's Baby Bedside Co-sleeper Crib in Gray, Joie's Excursion Change & Rock w/ Bassinet & Musical Box Light & Sound, and Babyzen's YOYO Newborn Bassinet.
5. Round Cribs
Round cribs are similar to a standard crib but differently shaped—round or oval-shaped.
Benefits of choosing a Round Crib
- They're aesthetically pleasing and can come in many designs that'll match your baby nursery's theme.
- They're floor space-friendly since they don't occupy as much space.
- They somewhat have long-term value since they provide enough space to accommodate your growing baby.
Things to consider before buying
- It can be pricey.
- Finding a mattress and mattress sheets can be challenging.
Think you prefer a round crib over a rectangle-shaped one? Then check this out, mama: Nuborn.ph's Oval Multi Crib with Oval Mattress.
6. Playard
Generally made with a metal frame, mesh on the sides, and a mattress or padded floor, the playard can function both as a play area and sleeping area for your child.
Benefits of choosing a Bassinet
- Easy to pack and set up.
- It's perfect for travel given that it's lightweight and space storage-friendly.
Things to consider before buying
- It's not as durable as a standard crib.
- Can be uncomfortable for your child if it's used for more than naps.
If you're in need of a playard for naps, then check these out, mama: Joie's Allura Basic and Chicco's Lullaby Baby's Playard.
How to check safety of Baby Crib
Now that you've seen the different types of baby cribs and perhaps, picked your favorite, here's a quick reminder to conduct some baby crib safety checks before purchasing. Don't know what or how to check? Here are some tips.
1. If you're buying a baby crib with bars, make sure that the bars are no more than 2 3/8 inches more apart.
2. Double-check the mattress. It should be firm and shouldn't sag under your baby's weight. There also shouldn't be any space between the crib walls and the mattress.
Mama tip: If you can fit at least two fingers between the mattress and the sides of the baby crib, then it's time for you to look for a bigger mattress or a different crib.
3. The sides of the crib should be at least 26 inches above the mattress. Don't worry, mama, you'll be able to lower the mattress as your child grows.
4. For additional safety purposes, the headboards, footboards, and corner posts shouldn't have decorative cutouts and should be solid to avoid injury or snagging of clothes.
5. If you're planning to buy a crib with wheels, do consider buying one where the wheels can be locked. This will lessen the risk of it sliding over a wood or tile floor in case you, your loved ones, or your pet accidentally hit the crib.
6. Conduct a quick wobble test to check the stability of the baby crib.
7. Inspect for any defects such as nails or screws sticking out, dried glue, or cracked and peeling paint.
8. Research on the type of material your crib is made out of. Make sure it's made of durable and non-toxic material.
Mama tip: Some cribs are made with softwood and these can be easily dinged or chewed on by your baby.
Given all this, you're ready to take on the task of buying your baby a safe and comfy baby crib that'll surely help them sleep tight no matter what time it is. We wish you good luck on your baby crib shopping, mama!
