When shopping for different types of baby cribs, it's important to consider more than just aesthetics. The 6 cribs mentioned below are our favorites. Read on to learn practical information about each method, as well as their pros and cons.

Standard baby crib

When you imagine a baby crib, you probably think of this. Durable and sturdy, the standard crib has a simple construction with 4 fixed sides throughout.

Standard cribs are ideal for parents planning to have more than one child because they are durable and come in a variety of different designs, including cribs with two-tone, mixed materials, and colorful finishes.

A spindle crib is a variation of the standard crib with slats in interesting designs such as square, round, and rectangular.

Bottom line: While they provide a great sleeping solution for permanent homes, families who travel frequently may want to look for another option, since standard cribs are large and difficult to transport between locations.

Convertible baby crib

Convertible baby cribs, also known as "lifetime cribs" or 3-in-1 cribs, are rapidly gaining popularity due to their ability to grow with your child. For example, some people simply transition to a toddler bed, while others add a third step, transitioning from the toddler bed all the way to a sofa bed or double bed - ensuring it stays with your child well into adolescence.

Convertible baby cribs are often ideal for parents who are not planning to have more children or who are looking for a long-term furniture solution.

Often, these cribs feature timeless designs or subtle color schemes, which means you avoid a potentially dated look as your child gets older. Another bonus: A convertible crib is the most cost-effective long-term option, since that's all you'll need for most of their childhood.

Bottom line: If you decide to go this route, make sure you like the look of it because you're in it for the long haul. Convertible cribs cost more upfront than other alternatives, and each conversion requires a little physical labor (and a conversion kit).

cradle

One of the more versatile options for new parents is a bassinet. This type of crib is ideal for the first few months of life and allows you to easily keep an eye on your baby while you're in bed.

Due to their small size, bassinets are also a great solution for apartments and lofts. They don't take up much floor space and are easy to move from room to room.

Some even rock back and forth – helping your new addition fall asleep during nap time.

Bottom line: While a solid choice as a short-term sleep solution, bassinets have a limited lifespan. It is recommended that parents move their baby to a larger crib when they are 3-6 months old or after they turn over.

travel crib

Does your family's lifestyle mean you're often away from home? Consider a travel crib. Not only are crib types ideal for vacations (they can be packed on the plane), they're also great for weekend jaunts to grandma's house.

Travel cribs tend to be very soft and lightweight, often with mesh or aluminum construction. Most also come with a storage bag for added convenience.

Another bonus: They're known for quick setup times, with some ready in 30 seconds.

Bottom line: Like a bassinet, a travel crib is not recommended as a permanent sleep solution. Additionally, due to the material they are constructed from, they wear out easily.

mini crib

Another popular solution for families with smaller living spaces is a mini crib.

Don't let its small size fool you, this compact crib has many of the same features as its larger counterpart, including a height-adjustable mattress and casters that make sliding from room to room a breeze.

Bottom line: Babies outgrow a mini crib quickly, which means parents may need to purchase a larger crib before transitioning to a toddler crib or twin beds. Plus, the wheels on the bottom mean parents need to work hard to check the locking brakes, and choosing the right crib is a huge decision.