During the process of nesting, when moms and dads are furnishing and decorating the living space for their new baby, one decision parents must make is what will the baby sleep in. Some parents choose the traditional baby crib with its furniture like feel and weight. Others choose a playard/travel crib, a bassinet or simply place the baby into the parents' bed. Some babies even wind up sleeping in swings and rockers. However, for most parents it comes down to a decision between crib, playard or bassinet.
I actually know a family who owns all three baby sleeping devices, but my guess is that's rare. Here is a comparison of those three choices (in alphabetical order). There is no choice that's perfect for everyone, so each parent will need to make their own final decision.
Bassinet:
Size: small, about half the size of a traditional crib. They tend to be very cozy and provide an intimate feel for the baby. Unfortunately, because of the small size babies often outgrow the bassinet by 3 months of age and parents are once again in the market for something for their baby to sleep in at night.
Features: they rock - literally. You can rock your baby to sleep in one.
Price: about half the price of a traditional crib.
Crib:
Size: large, about twice the size of a bassinet. When you place a newborn in the crib for the first time, you'll probably remark that there is a lot of space, probably more than enough for a second baby. Some newborns don't do well in cribs because they feel lost in all the empty space around them.
Features: adjustable mattress heights, can be adjusted down as the baby gets older and/or learns to stand. Traditional cribs with rails up are usually suitable for babies up to 2 years of age. Most traditional cribs can then be converted to a big boy/girl bed for children up to age 5 or so. There is also a large selection of mobiles (including battery powered) available, a very important feature to my family. The interior design types of the world may be able to match their crib to the design of the rest of the house.
Price: about the twice the price of a bassinet. You will need to purchase a mattress, bumpers, and mobile separately.
Playard:
Size: large, about the same as a traditional crib, but a little lower to the ground. Like a traditional crib, the amount of space may be overwhelming for some newborns. Twins could easily divide and share the space.
Features: easily folds up for travel. The mattress can be adjusted to one of two heights as the baby grows or learns to stand, which allow babies up to 2 years old to still use the playard. (I have heard anecdotal stories of age 3 and beyond, but yet unconfirmed). Can be used as a play pen. Mattress included. Mobile and bumpers (usually) included. Unfortunately, as I mentioned in Spinning Mobile Wars and the Tiny Love Take-Along Mobile product review, the selection of self spinning mobiles is limited for playards (it's a shame). Some playards include a bassinet/sleeper feature, as well as changing table and storage space attachments. There are many choices in patterns, but one purchased for you may not match your exquisitely designed room.
Price: about half the price of most traditional cribs.
Our choice:
Clark's Dad chose to purchase a playard. It was the economical choice, both financial and spatially. It should last Clark until he is at least 2 years, then we'll buy him a big boy bed. The list of included features meant less other baby furniture to buy and find space for. It was the best choice for us, but it led to a [spinning] mobile controversy.
- Clark's Dad
2 comments:
To ramanjit: there are some special cribs for twins in the market, but you can use one crib when your babies are young.
There is a war between baby furniture with cribs and playards. Know the details from here
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