It is hard to choose the best sleeping space for your baby today, mainly because there are too many options, like cribs and baby beds. They might seem similar at a glance, but there is a distinction that will help you know which one works best for your baby and what fits your home best.
Today in this blog, we are going to differentiate between the crib and baby bed for you as well as show you which would be better to accommodate their comfort as well as comfort in your own space too.
What is a Crib
A crib is an immobile and rigid bed, especially designed for babies. The wood or metal composition with the high-side rail raised to keep the bed off the floor is also included. Moreover, it prevents your baby from climbing out or falling out while he is asleep.
They are longer and wider than bassinets but shorter than a regular bed. It can be used from birth till the toddler bed stage when they start to begin walking, usually around the time when they become 2 to 3 years old. Some have special features, such as the ability for the height-adjustable mattress, so you can lower it down once your child starts to grow and begin to walk around on legs.
They are strong, safe, and long-lasting. This is the key reason why most parents enjoy the concept of cribs for their babies. Babies love sleeping in a secure bed.
What is a Baby Bed?
Baby bed refers to any bed designed for the baby. A baby bed, unlike a crib, has types and sizes. Baby bed might be,
- A bassinet for newborns.
- Travel Baby Bed (good for traveling).
- A crib (a crib is a nonmobile sleeping space).
- Toddler bed (even more advanced for babies or toddlers).
Baby beds are more diversified since they have more options. For example, there is a bassinet that fits newborn babies who sleep next to their parents since it is very small. Portable infant cribs are light and easy to move when moving around the house or on a trip. Toddler beds are for babies once they outgrow their crib. Even though a crib is one type of baby bed, the term “baby bed” refers to a number of sleeping options for babies.
Distinguishing Features between Cribs and Baby Beds
Now let’s get underway here with a discussion on the most important distinguishing features between the crib and baby beds.
Size
- Crib: A crib is larger than a bassinet but smaller in size compared to a toddler bed. There is enough space and room that may be provided for giving proper resting time up to 2 or 3 years.
- Baby Bed: This baby bed is unlike any other baby bed to any other baby bed in size. Being small in size for a bassinet and big in size for a toddler bed, so also baby beds are small in size.
Usage
- Crib: Cribs are meant for long term sleep. Your baby can sleep in the crib from birth till he becomes a toddler.
- Baby Bed: baby beds are versatile. Bassinet is ideal for a newly born baby. Portable crib is perfect when traveling with the baby, and the toddler bed is perfect for older babies
Mobility
- Crib: most of the cribs cannot be moved from one place to another since they tend to be heavy.
- Baby Bed: most baby beds can be moved from one room to another. Bassinets and travel beds are portable. They can be moved easily, and they can be moved quickly as well.
Safety
- Crib: Cribs are really hardy and secure. It is installed with a strong rail that helps keep the baby from getting out of or even climbing out.
- Baby Bed: Bassinets and port-a-cots are safe; a crib is much sturdier than all of them. Toddler beds are also quite safe, though designed for older babies
Durability
- Crib: A crib lasts for centuries. They grow with your baby till the time they are ready to sleep in the big bed.
- Baby Bed: Baby beds like the bassinet are only useful for a little while, while a toddler bed is best suited for an older baby.
Which One Best for Your Nursery?
A crib versus a baby bed should come after considering your baby needs and the space available for both options. Here are recommendations on how to guide in choosing between them.
Go for the Crib If
- You would want a long-term sleeping solution for your baby.
- You have enough space in your nursery to install a fixed bed.
- For you, safety and stability are the most important factors.
- You would need a baby bed that is to be used until the time when your baby turns into a toddler.
Choose a Baby Bed If
- You require a portable or lightweight baby bed to shift from one room of the house to another.
- You are a first-time mom and would like to share a room with your newborn.
- You travel and need a baby bed that will go with you.
- You are looking for a temporary solution before moving your child to a crib.
Conclusion
Everything depends really on what your baby may need or have space for. A crib would provide service to your little one for a couple of years. It would ensure that your little darling is sheltered and warm while it is inside this equipment.
Versatility is further depicted by the fact that it can be used to rock a newborn in as a bassinet, especially when your family takes an outing, and then eventually, after a couple of years, as the baby grows into a toddler human.
Both of these good options are available for different purposes. If your nursery is spacious, then the crib would work perfectly, because they grow with your baby’s years; but if you require something to be portable, or even get it, when necessary, sometimes then a baby bed can prove just the ideal thing for you.