By Jessica Chamberlain

One decision all new parents have to make is where will their new bundle of joy sleep once home from the hospital. Do you choose a cradle, bassinet, crib, pack n play or convertible crib? How do you choose? Use the descriptions below to help you, the parent, decide what is best for your little one.

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  Cradle

  Cradles – All newborn babies love the soothing, rocking motion of a cradle because it reminds them of the safe and secure feeling they had in the womb. If you choose a cradle make sure you have a firm mattress that fits nice and tight inside the cradle and the safety feature of locking the cradle in a stationary position rather than rock.

• Bassinets – Bassinets are great because they are portable and they can be dressed up adorably to match your decor of your master bedroom or the nursery. Just make sure that you have a crib or portable crib ready when your child outgrows the bassinet.
• Portable cribs like Pack N Plays – Portable cribs are perfect for sleepovers at Grandmas as well as for breastfeeding moms for night time feedings. You can also consider a co-sleeper for breastfeeding moms. Portable cribs pack up for easy storage and travel. They can also serve as a safe and protected play yard for your baby during the day.
• Cribs – A standard crib has either one side that drops or both sides drop. One thing to consider is will you want a convertible crib that will convert to a toddler bed and then to a full size bed instead of buying a crib now, a toddler bed later and then a regular sized bed for your child. Round cribs are becoming popular because it can be in the center of the room or corner. Canopy cribs have four posts that hold up a frame that you place a fabric canopy on. This makes the nursery seem more elegant and gives it a classic look.
  

  Bassinet

Once you find the crib you like make sure it meets all the safety regulations. Here are things to look for in a crib:

• The cribs slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart. That way they cannot stick their heads through them and get stuck.
• Make sure the crib is securely put together and has no risk of collapsing on your baby.
• When you buy a mattress make sure it fits snugly into the crib. You do not want a space of more than the width of two adult fingers between the crib and the mattress.
• Never use a pillow in the crib due to the possibility of suffocating your kids.
• Keep stuffed animals and excess blankets out of the crib as well because they can also cause suffocation.
• If you are going to have decorative bumpers in your crib be sure to remove them once your baby can kneel or stand so they do not use them to help themselves climb out.

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