4 Types Of Baby Cribs And How To Choose The One

Let’s be honest here – choosing the right baby crib is a big deal! It takes a lot of time and brings many discussions in a couple’s lives, especially if they are expecting their first child together and have zero experience. There are many different types and brands that can be found on the market these days so it’s both a curse and a blessing at the same time. But of course #mommyVeronika has your back on this one too and is here to help you with your decision in order to find the best baby crib depending on what is most important for you. No matter if you love to travel a lot or prefer to stay home, there is something for everyone on this page! I’ve gathered 4 of the most famous baby bed types as well as pros and cons for each one of them so let’s go!

1. The Classic – wooden full size bed 

This is probably one of the most famous baby cribs of all times. It is big enough so you don’t have to buy another for the first years and also with the huge amount of choices on the market, you can find one that can check all the boxes in your list. The one specific type I will take for example here, will be with drawers underneath where you can save some extra space for whatever it is that you need. Most of these beds also have adjustable height levels for each phase of your child’s life starting from newborn to toddler so it is definitely not a coincidence why this type is one of the most prefered by parents.  However if you are living in a one bedroom apartment for example, don’t have an extra room for a nursery or just prefer to have your baby close to you in the beginning, it’s probably not the best choice for your family. Because of its size (often 120/60cm or 47/23inch) it can take a lot of space and to be honest – your baby won’t need that much room to move in the beginning.
Overall:
+ buy it ones, use it for years
+ has extra space if with drawers
+ most have different height levels
– takes more space
– is stationary
– baby can bump head if not secured

2. The travel cot 

If you are from the couples that like to travel a lot, this is probably the perfect bed for you and your baby. It doesn’t matter if you want to go visit your relatives who live in another city or are planning a family getaway for the weekend, this  bed can join you anytime, anywhere. Because of it’s lightweight and easy folding it can not only be put pretty much everywhere, but later on it can also be used as a safe play-space (no matter how safe, please never leave your baby unsupervised) and can turn to be your baby’s favorite spot. Although not all travel cots come with the possibility to change height levels so it’s probably not the best option for a newborn. On top of this, it does not provide you with any extra space if you need some. Not to forget that most of these beds are for babies and children that are max 15kg or approximately 33lbs.
Overall:
+ can be used as safe play space later
+ travel friendly
+ not so expensive
– not all have different height levels (and bottom level is not good for newborns)
– no extra drawers/space
– can be used for ~2 years (can hold up to 15kg/33lbs)

3. The bedside crib



The bedside cribs are prefered by many mamas. Not only can they fit anywhere but they can really turn into your best friend at night. With a bedside crib next to you, you don’t have to stand up from your bed in the middle of the night in order to feed your baby (of course this applies only if you are brestfeeding) you just need to pick it up, put it on the breast and feeding can begin. Another great feature of the bedside cribs is that they often come on wheels so you can always take your baby with you from one room to the other. Downside of it – it can only be used for a few months. Due to the smaller size (arround 90/40cm or 35/15inch) these beds are good for approximately 6 months only even though most of them can hold up to 20kg/44lbs or more. The other con worth mentioning is you need to change this bed the moment your baby achieves to sit on their own as the bed won’t be a safe place anymore. They also wont provide you with any extra space if you need some.
Overall:
+ doesn’t take too much space
+ is right next to you so no standing up at night
+ can go from one room to another easily
– can be used for a few months only (6-7)
– baby can bump head if not secured
– not travel friendly

4. The bedside travel crib

This bedside crib has almost the same characteristics as the previous one except for 2 things: 1. When your baby turns 3+months it will be able to hold its head on its own and will also start to roll around in its crib. With this type of bed you don’t have to worry about any possibility of it bumping its head anywhere. Due to the soft materials it’s made you won’t need to put anything else in there to protect your little one. The second very important point is that it is travel friendly. So no matter where you go, you can always have your bump free bed with you. Unfortunatelly just like the normal bedside crib, this one is only working for the first few months, has no extra space and can hold the not so impresive maximum of 9kg/19lbs.
Overall:
+ travel friendly
+ baby can’t bump head
+ right next to you so no standing up at night
– no extra space for anything
– can only be used for a few months ( can hold ~9 kg/19lbs)

In conclusion what you really need to take under consideration in order to choose the right baby crib is what your family needs are. Babies come to this world and parents are the ones who have to help them adjust to their lifestyle. In the end pros for ones are cons for others. So just take your time to decide what your priorities are and what you actually are expecting an ideal crib must have.

Please don’t ever just take your baby to sleep with you in your bed at night. Especially if they are under the age of 1y.o. as it’s not safe for them. Also always keep in mind that the baby itself is the only thing that belongs in the crib at night! No extra objects should be put in there except for a pacifier. Babies under 6 months of age don’t need pillows or toys as they may only do harm.