Where will the baby sleep?

Before choosing between a crib or a bassinet, remember what doesn't change: the baby sleeps on his back, on a firm mattress, covered only with a tightly secured sheet. I know it makes you want to fill the crib with cuteness, but protectors, pillows, stuffed animals and loose blankets are off the list. Any of them can block your baby's breathing during sleep.

The inclined crib and the famous anti-reflux position, with the headboard higher than the feet, also fell from recommendations. The baby moves, turns on the mattress and can end up in a dangerous position. Today the orientation is a flat surface, with a maximum inclination of 10 degrees. And a loving message about early morning feedings: don't sleep with your baby on the sofa or armchair. There the risk of him slipping is real.

The wooden crib remains firm as the most durable option. A child can use it safely until they are two or three years old. When choosing a mattress, ask for density D18 or D20, which is the recommended standard for cribs. It will feel too hard, and that's normal: firmness here is about safety, not discomfort.

Two variations deserve attention. The crib that turns into a mini bed extends its useful life, but the mattress remains 1.30 m, so by the age of five or six the child will need a real bed. The 3-in-1 crib, the one that starts out round, is beautiful, but very small: it usually lasts for a month or two before needing the larger configuration. If the idea is to leave it in the couple's bedroom, measure the space before purchasing, including opening the closet doors.

The attached crib, the famous side by side, attaches to the side of the double bed and lowers the rail facing you. In practice, this means breastfeeding and checking on the baby without getting out of bed. Anyone who has ever spent a sleepless night knows how valuable this is.

The limit is usually 9 kg, which covers roughly the first six months. After that, the baby will outgrow it. Because it is used for such a short time, consider buying one secondhand or reselling it while it is still in good condition. Always use only the manufacturer's original mattress, with no extra mattress added.

The bassinet, alone or on the stroller, is a safe sleeping space for the first two or three months, until the baby grows and starts to bump into the sides. A separate bassinet usually costs around half the price of an attached crib. The trade-off is to be shorter, so you get out of bed to pick up the baby.

If the plan is to use the stroller's carrycot as a sleeping point, check if the model you choose already comes with its own mattress. Some don't come, and improvising a separate mattress is not recommended.

A portable crib, sometimes called a playpen, supports up to 15 kg and can be used for two or three years. It has two height settings, folds down for travel and costs much less than other options.

There is just one caveat and applies to any brand: the baby sleeps in the original lining that comes with the product, attached with a zipper to the bottom. The manual prohibits adding a mattress, because the manufacturer cannot guarantee the safety of an accessory that it has not tested. It is an excellent purchase, as long as it is made knowing this limitation.

Mom of two, here's the deal: twins need separate sleeping spaces. Pediatric societies assess that the risks of sharing the same crib outweigh any benefits of proximity. It can be two cribs, two bassinets or a combination, whatever fits best in the room. There are double pieces of furniture with a divider, but check the internal measurements: each side is usually smaller than a traditional crib and, therefore, lasts less.