Choosing the right sleeping arrangement for your baby is a journey that evolves as your child grows. Features such as comfort, durability, versatility and budget, are important when picking your cribs or cots - the right choice can last you and your family for years to come! From bassinets to cribs, and eventually toddler beds, here’s a detailed guide to help parents pick the perfect crib and navigate the transitions smoothly.

Essentially, there are 4 main stages your baby will start off and grow into in a bed; newborn, infant, toddler, & child. The options for each stage are:

Bassinets:

For the first 6 months, from newborn to infant, a lot of parents will opt for a standalone bassinet. Bassinets are often lightweight, easy to move around, and provide a safe, enclosed space for your baby to sleep in, especially overnight. Some features to look into when considering your bassinet are:

• Safety Measures: Full-disclosure, if you're planning to have your baby sleep in a bassinet, ensure they are sleep-certified. All designated bassinets will state max. weight and age capacity in their manual and product guides. Most bassinets will require you to stop using them around 20lbs. max. or when your baby is able to start sitting up or moving unassisted in the bassinet. Any longer than that might run the risk of structural failure or your baby falling out of the bassinet!
  • Tip: Look for a bassinet that has mesh ventilation walls! It's nice being able to see your baby from across the room if you're a few steps away working on something, it helps regulate your baby's temperature for all-seasons, and reduces the risk of suffocation!
• Comfort: While ensuring your baby has the comfiest bed to sleep in, practicing Safe-Sleep methods are still highly recommended when using a bassinet. The mattress pad to your bassinet must be rigid enough to support the weight of your baby. If the mattress pad is too soft, or if you add additional cushioning, be aware of the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
  • Remember, no blankets, no pillows! Consider alternatives like sleep sacks or swaddles. 
• Versatility: A stand-alone bassinet is great if you're looking for something small and lightweight to move from room to room, or if you're travelling a lot, taking baby to relatives, etc., for the first couple months.
  • Some stroller brands like Cybex, Nuna, and Uppababy even make sleep-rated bassinets that you can add to your travel system! You can also purchase additional bassinet stands for them as well to use indoors. 

Something like The Maxi Cosi Iora is a great option for a stand-alone bassinet. Its stationary frame has several different height adjustments, has 360deg. mesh ventilation walls, and will store completely FLAT for easy transport! 

 A stroller compatible bassinet like the Uppababy Bassinet V3 can easily be used indoors as a stationary bassinet, either on any solid surface or on an Uppababy Bassinet Stand. 

However, designated bassinets will pretty much last you less than a year, and unless you plan on having more children, it's going into storage after your baby outgrows it. 

Which leads us to cribs...

Cribs: Something to Grow Into

Cribs are great! They're usually the reliable, traditional, classy, go-to option for parents when choosing a designated sleep space. But there are so many options. 

Some cribs have a bassinet mode, some will start off as a mini-crib and expand to a full-size toddler bed! Some have wheels, some turn into toddler beds! Don't even get us started on the mattress options. Here are some key points to consider when you're shopping for your perfect crib:

• All-in-One: All the modes. Convertible cribs are the way-to-go for parents who want an all-in-one option that will grow with their child and can last for years to come. 3-in-1! 5-in-1! Some can even last you 5+ years for one child! From birth, to infancy, to toddler, even young kids can enjoy their bed for the long-run depending on the model you choose! 
  • Keep in mind, some models require you to purchase extension kits separately between stages. 
• Make Quality: Options are limitless to suit your preferences and aesthetics. Depending on the brand and model you go for, there's traditional options like  sturdy wood frames with oak slats, gilded steel for that vintage feel. Some are curved like ovals, some have plexiglass walls - choose whatever makes you and your family happy. 
• Budget: While conversion cribs may seem like a cheaper option overtime than buying separate products for different modes. This really depends on the brands you go for and the materials you choose in a crib. 
  • Just to let you know, a lot of mini-cribs and bassinet modes will come with a mattress pad but full mini-crib and full-sized crib mattresses are usually sold separately! Find out more about the accessories and product guidelines when reading through listings to ensure you grab everything you need.

A crib that includes all of these features and more is the Yuzu 8-in-1 w/ All Conversion Kits by Babyletto. 

This crib is amazing. It'll take your baby from bassinet mode to a full toddler bed, lasting upwards of 5+ years! The kit includes mattress pads for both midi-crib and bassinet mode. But that just means you have the option to choose the perfect mattress to tailor to your preferences, e.i, breathability, hypoallergenic and organic materials, etc.

Now, if you're looking for the ultimate option for travel and versatility, that combines a safe sleep and play area, let's check out playards...

 

"Play Yards"

Or play-pens, are great options if you want a wider cot that's easy to carry, easy to stow, and something to last your baby a couple years. Some key features in a play yard are:

• Longevity: Most playards have multistage options that your baby can grow into, namely a bassinet mode and a play-pen mode. Bassinet mode will work just like any other bassinet, so from birth up until 20lbs max. or so, or when your baby is able to start sitting or rolling over unassisted, bassinet mode can be used overnight for safe sleep. When your baby outgrows this mode, simply lower the crib mattress pad to the bottom floor, and continue to use your play yard in play-pen mode for as a safe play space!
  • Typically, these playards will last from birth up until 2-3 years of age. 
• Easy Storage: The closest to an umbrella fold you can get in a portable crib. Some store completely flat, some will fold up like an umbrella, most will come with useful carrying bags for on-the-go, and all should be very, very easy to travel with.
• Bonus Accessories: Some models and brands let you add accessories, like mobiles, storage, and changing tables. 
• Price Range: Because play yards tend to have multistage features, you can combine several modes into one purchase! Really depends on the brand and model you choose, their materials and versatility options. 

A play yard to consider that checks off all of these points in a neat budget would be the Safety 1st - Safe Stages Playard.

With 2 bassinet modes, you have the option of using the smaller bassinet insert for its elevated platform, making it easier for you to lift or lay your baby down for rest, or the larger bassinet insert, for more room. There's even a wipe-down changing table! And everything folds down for when you want to take the whole set-up from here to there. 

 

Lastly, no matter what option you choose to best suit you, your family, and your baby's needs, remember to follow all safety and product guidelines! 

From bassinets to cribs, play yards, bouncers, strollers and car seats, travel systems, and more - Little Canadian has got you covered! 

Visit us in-store or online @littlecanadian.ca for more tips, tricks, and our full collections!