A newborn baby will spend at least 16 hours of every day asleep. As a new parent, you want the safest, most comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn. But with all the baby bed choices on the market, which do you choose?

Let our handy guide to baby beds help you decide if you want to place your newborn in a cradle, bassinet, pack and play, Moses basket, co-sleeper, portable crib or a full-size crib.

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing

Cradle – Rock-a-bye baby… the infant sleeping spot since time immemorial, many parents swear by the gentle rocking motion of a cradle. Many of today’s cradles are battery-powered, while some use a hand crank. Others rock gently only through Mom’s power.

Badger Basket Company Portable Bassinet ‘N Cradle with Toybox Base

Bassinet – If you want sleeping accommodations for your baby with all the bells and whistles, you’re in the market for a bassinet. Major manufacturers like Graco, Kolcraft, Evenflo and others offer bassinets with functions like vibration, rocking motion, music, lights, and more.

Bassinets come in every color and style to match any décor – for baby boys or baby girls. Many include storage baskets underneath or diaper hangers. Some convert to changing tables – but considering that newborns sleep more than half the day and night, you’ll rarely have the chance to convert the bassinet into a changing table. It’s best to shop for a bassinet based on other features. You can learn more in our Bassinet and Cradle Buyer’s Guide.

Graco Modern Pack ‘n Play Playard with Bassinet & Changer, Zurich

Pack and Play – If you’re looking for sleeping arrangements that you’ll use more than 6 months, a Pack and Play is a money – and space – saving investment. Many Pack and Plays have bassinet attachments you can use for your newborn. After the first six months of your baby’s life, the Pack and Play makes an excellent portable crib for frequent travelers or to keep at Grandma’s house.

Wendy Anne Ivory Crest Moses Basket

Moses basket – Looking for an inexpensive place for your newborn to sleep? Many Moses baskets begin at just $20 – although you can spend as much as $200 for a designer model.  Moses baskets are not recommended for houses with pets, and should never be left on a couch or table. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive, portable sleeping option for your newborn, many mothers love the cozy comfort of a Moses basket.

Dream On Me 3 In 1 Portable Convertible Crib

Portable crib – If you need a second crib for travel or a babysitter’s house, a portable crib is a less expensive, easy-to-transport option. Most portable cribs are about three-quarters the size of a regular crib and have wheels to move it from room to room. When buying a portable crib, make sure it is sturdy, has lockable wheels, and a firm mattress.

Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper Original Bassinet

Co-sleeper – The co-sleeping debate rages on. Many parents (and pediatricians) believe it is not safe to keep a baby in bed with you, while Attachment Parenting advocates (including Dr. Sears) cite research that shows co-sleeping, under the right conditions, is safe. The perfect compromise is a co-sleeper bassinet. Co-sleeper bassinets, such as those by Arm’s Reach, have a fold-down side. The bassinet attaches firmly to the parents’ bed. Nighttime nursing is made easy, since Mom and baby can both stay in bed, but baby stays in his own space.

Carter's Sleep Haven Single Crib

Full-size crib – Most babies eventually move to a full-size crib in their nursery. Some parents prefer to put their newborn in a bassinet, co-sleeper or cradle, for the convenience. But there’s no reason you can’t put your newborn to sleep in their crib from day one.