Baby's First Bed

For new and expecting parents, the wait before the arrival of your baby can be an overwhelming and anxiety filled time. Between car seats, diapers and baby bottles, the nursery might take the cake for most intimidating. What are the most important things to remember when shopping for newborn furniture? Where should the baby sleep? The answers are different for every family and will depend on your personal needs. Here’s where to start.

Bassinet or a crib? What’s the difference?

What is the difference? Bassinets and cribs are both CDC approved places for newborn babies to sleep. A bassinet resembles a cradle and is much smaller than a standard crib. What will make a difference for a lot of new parents is whether there is room for a crib in the parent’s bedroom. It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months. If you have a smaller space or a bassinet is a more affordable option for when the baby first arrives, this choice might be ideal. It’s also portable and can be moved easily around the house.

Which is better for me and my family?

A crib will be something your baby needs whether or not you choose to use a bassinet in the beginning. A standard crib size is 28” by 52”, so your baby will grow into the space. If a crib will fit in the parents’ bedroom, this is a great option, and the expense of the bassinet is not necessary. No matter what, baby will need to sleep in a crib when they are too big or heavy for the bassinet, usually at about 4 months or 20 lbs.

Find The Mattress That Will Suit Your Baby Best

Choosing the right crib mattress starts with safety, but the best options also support comfort, durability, and everyday practicality. A well-fitting mattress should sit snugly within the crib frame with no gaps, creating a secure sleep environment for your baby. Firmness is essential. Crib mattresses are designed to be much firmer than adult mattresses to properly support infant development and reduce risk. Many modern options also balance this firmness with breathable materials or layered construction, helping regulate temperature and create a more comfortable sleep surface. Lightweight designs can make sheet changes easier, while reinforced edges help the mattress hold its shape over time as your child grows.

Beyond safety and structure, it’s worth considering materials and features that make life easier for you as a parent. Waterproof or water-resistant covers are especially helpful for inevitable spills and accidents, while removable, washable covers add another layer of convenience. Some crib mattresses are dual-sided, offering a firmer infant side and a slightly softer toddler side, extending usability as your child transitions. Whether you’re creating a minimalist nursery or a more elevated, design-forward space, choosing a quality crib mattress ensures your baby’s sleep environment is both supportive and thoughtfully designed for the years ahead.

Questions to consider

Will I feel comfortable with my baby napping in the crib in a different room? Will I use a baby monitor or prefer to have a portable bassinet?

• A bassinet is handy for parents who like to have the baby sleeping near them while they have the freedom to move around the house. If you don’t have a baby monitor or plan on getting one, this is an ideal option.

Is my family done growing? Will we have another baby that could use this furniture?

• Per CDC recommendation, check for new guidelines before reusing your first babies’ furniture for a second baby. If you plan on having more than one baby, a bassinet might be cost-effective from the use you intend to get from it.

What makes sense for our budget? Is buying a crib something we can afford right now or will using a bassinet give us time to save for the crib we want?

• Comparably, the price of a bassinet is more affordable than a crib. If the crib you want won’t be in your budget before baby arrives, using a bassinet those first four months will give you time to save.

What is our space like? Will there be room for a crib in the parent’s room or will the bassinet save us a lot of space if we invest?

• A common selling point for parents on a bassinet is the sheer size. It can sit right next to mom and dads’ bed without taking up a lot of space as opposed to moving the crib directly into mom and dad’s room.

Was our pregnancy or birth complicated? Is mom recovering, having difficulty nursing or does your baby need extra attention?

• A circumstance that will make the bassinet ideal is if mom has had a C-section or a complicated birth and is recovering. A bassinet is waist-height and easy to lay down your little one in. A crib can be taxing to reach over, especially if you need to do so many times in the middle of the night.

And Then For The Bedding

Crib bedding and baby blankets should be chosen with both comfort and safety in mind. For infants, simplicity is key. A fitted crib sheet made from soft, breathable materials like cotton helps create a cozy sleep surface without unnecessary extras. As your baby grows, lightweight blankets can be introduced for added warmth during supervised use or in toddler stages. Look for durable, easy-care fabrics that hold up to frequent washing while maintaining their softness. Thoughtfully selected bedding not only enhances the look of the nursery but also supports a clean, comfortable and practical sleep environment for your child.

Before making your decision, these are some important things to consider. Whatever makes you and your family feel most comfortable will ultimately be the right (and best) choice.  Your baby’s first bed should be the place you feel they are safest.