In the market for somewhere your baby can sleep? Find out if a crib, bassinet or a portable playpen is best for your little one.
As a parent or caregiver, keeping your baby safe, comfortable and happy while they sleep is a top priority. But with so many baby products on the market, it's difficult to choose between a crib, bassinet or Pack 'N Play. We'll help you consider the pros and cons of each so you can find the best fit for your little one.
A crib is a popular sleeping option for older babies who are too big for a bassinet but not quite ready for their own bed. Cribs are enclosed with high, slatted sides and are fitted with a firm mattress. They can be made of various materials but are often constructed with sturdy hardwood that makes them very durable.
Cribs come in a few different sizes. Standard cribs, also known as full-size cribs, are typically 28 inches wide by 52 inches long, which allows your baby to grow into the bed as they get older. Mini cribs, or non-full-size cribs, are much smaller, measuring roughly 24 inches wide by 38 inches long.
In terms of price, a crib ranges anywhere from affordable to very expensive, depending on the brand, construction and features. For example, luxury brands or cribs made with special types of wood can cost more than $1,000. In general, however, you should expect to spend between $150 and $500 on a high-quality crib to keep your baby safe.
Once your baby can start sleeping on their own, a crib can be a great option. Here are some benefits:
A crib may not be the right option for every family. Here are some downsides:
Read more: Best Crib Mattresses
A bassinet is a bed that is specifically for newborns and babies up to 6 months old. Bassinets are usually small and oval-shaped and made out of a soft, mesh material. Bassinets are designed for mobility, so they can be easily moved from room to room, depending on where your baby is sleeping.
Although bassinets come in slightly different lengths and widths, they're mostly standard size -- given that bassinets can only be used for smaller babies up to a certain weight.
In general, bassinets are less expensive than cribs. However, the cost depends on many factors, like the brand name and features. You can buy a good bassinet for around $100, but there are less expensive options available. High-end bassinets will run you several hundred dollars or more.
If you have a newborn baby, you might be thinking about purchasing a bassinet. Here are some advantages:
Bassinets have several disadvantages, and it's important to understand these drawbacks before you buy one. Here are some:
A Pack 'N Play is one of the most versatile baby items -- think of it as a sleeping area and a play area. Pack 'N Plays are trademarked by Graco, but you can find similar play yards or travel cribs from other companies. They are large, enclosed playpens where your baby can rest or be entertained, and they are suitable for most ages. Many parents like using them because they're portable and good for traveling.
Besides sleeping and playing, a Pack 'N Play can be used to keep your baby in one place while you're doing something else in the same room. If you are encouraging independent time for your baby, this type of space allows them to play alone. You can even use these at the beach or outside when you want to keep your baby safe and prevent them from wandering.
The average price of a Pack 'N Play or similar playpen ranges between $50 and $100, so compared to cribs and bassinets, they're quite affordable. Some companies make more expensive models, yet even the priciest ones are around $250.
Many parents and caregivers consider these portable playpens to be a must-have baby item. Below are some of the biggest advantages:
Like with all baby products, there are some disadvantages to portable playpens. Here are some of them:
Cribs, bassinets and portable playpens are among the most popular sleeping setups for babies and toddlers. Here's a closer look at the differences between these products:
Crib | Bassinet | Pack 'N Play | |
Average cost | Between $150 to $500 | Around $100 for a standard | Between $50 to $100 |
Intended use | Should only be used for sleeping | Should only be used for sleeping | Can be used for playing and sleeping |
Size | Standard cribs are large, mini cribs are smaller | Most bassinets are small and good for tight spaces | Portable playpens are large and not ideal for small spaces |
Recommended ages | Can be used for babies between 6 to 18 months | Can be used for newborn babies up to 6 months | Can be used for babies and toddlers between newborn and 3 years |
Assembly required | Some are heavy and difficult to assemble | Lightweight and easy to assemble | Lightweight and easy to assemble |
Portability | Not easily portable | Good option for portable sleeper | Good option for portable sleeper and play area |
Choosing between a crib, bassinet and a Pack 'N Play is a big decision. After all, your baby spends most of their time sleeping and playing, so having the right product is essential. Plus, there are hundreds of different options on the market, so researching and comparing products is an important part of the process.
Here are some questions to consider before your purchase:
How much money do you want to spend? Bassinets and portable playpens are usually cheaper than cribs, but they are also less durable. If you plan to have multiple kids and want to reuse the item, you'll probably get the longest use out of a crib.
How much space do you have in your home? If you have a small nursery, a standard-size crib might not fit. A bassinet is much smaller and is usually a better option for tight spaces. Pack 'N Plays are also large, but they can be easily moved from your baby's room to your living room or even your backyard.
What does your lifestyle look like? If you travel often, either to relatives' homes, hotels or campgrounds, a bassinet or Pack 'N Play is going to be your best option. Cribs are not designed to be portable, can be heavy and difficult to disassemble and reassemble without tools and a second person.