Probably the most important and exciting decision that you make when shopping for baby is your choice of baby crib. Many new parents allow their baby to sleep in their bedroom for the first several months. In this case, you may want to choose a smaller, bassinet type crib, which can fit easily in even small rooms.

When choosing the crib for baby's nursery, there are some features that you want to be sure to look for. Adjustable sides are a real back saver. By dropping the sides of the baby crib, you are able put your baby to bed, or pick him or her up, without a great deal of awkward lifting and twisting.

Adjustable mattresses are another useful feature. By raising the mattress up when baby is small, you do not have to bend over too far to pick him or her up. As your baby grows and starts to stand, you can drop the mattress down to prevent your baby from climbing out of the baby crib, which can be a significant safety hazard.

Round cribs are becoming more popular, mostly because they look great. By setting a round crib in the middle of the room, especially when accented with a canopy bedding set, they become the focal point of the nursery, adding both style and functionality.

When choosing a baby crib, you may want to consider purchasing a portable crib, in addition to a more traditional one. These portable cribs are highly useful because you can pack them up and move them easily. If baby's bedroom is upstairs, you may want to set up a portable crib downstairs. This way, when baby falls asleep in your arms in the living room, you can slip him or her into his bed easily. A portable baby crib is not only useful at home, but when you head out to visit grandma or go on vacation, you can pack up the portable baby crib and have a safe, worry-free spot for baby to sleep and play.