When it comes to choosing a new crib for your infant the most important feature you should consider is safety. You may be overwhelmed by all the choices available including whether to buy a bassinet, co-sleeper, or cradle. In addition to that, you might also notice that there’s a variety of styles to choose from including traditional, trendy, and cost-effective.

Some parents like the option of being able to convert the baby crib into a day bed or toddler bed once the baby outgrows the crib. This is usually a good idea only if you don’t plan on having more children after the baby grows up. If the toddler is using the crib for a bed you’ll have to get another crib if you have another baby. Either that, or the toddler will need a new bed!

You might have heard of drop side baby cribs. These are baby cribs with one side that drops down so you can easily place your baby in the crib with minimum fuss and effort. However, Consumer Reports has recently come out with a statement that drop side baby cribs might not be totally safe or reliable. They advise purchasing only cribs with stationary sides until more safety standards have been established for drop side cribs.

Co-sleepers have also been used in the past as a way to keep an infant in close proximity to the mother for breast feeding. However, it’s important to recognize the potential risks involved with using this type of crib. Co-sleepers have one side lower than the other which allows the crib to be pushed up against the edge of an adult bed. The baby has a separate sleeping area but there’s always the possibility that loose bedding from the adult’s bed could smother the infant on accident.

Some parents might also consider purchasing a cradle, co-sleeper, or bassinet for their newborn but according to safety experts your baby is safest in a crib. To date cribs must meet stringent safety requirements while the other options do not. This is an important factor to consider when choosing where your baby should sleep. Make sure you have established a safe and restful area for your newborn to sleep before you bring him home from the hospital.

While a baby crib is often the first purchase parents make when they find out the mother is expecting a lot of care and consideration should be put into what type is chosen. Your baby will spend quite a bit of time in his crib so you want to make sure it’s both comfortable and safe.

In addition, you should also read up on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) even though it might not be a pleasant thing to think about. Be sure your infant is always placed on his back while sleeping to prevent possible breathing complications. Also, don’t put anything soft in the crib like quilts, blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows.