How to Pick the Best Crib for Your Baby

Choosing a crib is one of the biggest decisions when setting up a nursery. Babies spend long hours sleeping in their first year, so that crib will effectively be your child’s nest for the first 6-12 months of their life.

But don’t make the mistake of assuming all cribs are equal. The right crib supports safety, comfort, and healthy sleep habits. The wrong one rarely ticks all those boxes.

You may feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices available at first, but understanding the basics will make it easier. In this guide, we break down those basics to help you choose the right baby crib in Singapore.

Why Choosing the Right Crib Matters

The crib will serve as a safe space for your baby to sleep, rest, and spend much of their time. 

A good crib should do the following:

• Support safe sleep practices or habits

• Prevent accidents (falls, entrapments, suffocation risks) 

• Grow with the baby (if convertible) 

• Provide comfort and proper spine support 

Early sleep environments shape babies' long-term sleep confidence and routines, so you want to get this step right!

Key Safety Standards Parents Should Look For

Safety must always come first when choosing a baby crib in Singapore. Babies are delicate, after all, so you want to make sure there are no hazards from the crib itself.

To that end, consider the following points in your crib search.

1. A sturdy frame and non-toxic materials - The crib should feel solid, not wobbly. Paints and finishes must be non-toxic (e.g. lead-free!) as babies often chew on rails when teething. 

2. Correct slat spacing - Babies can be surprisingly wiggly. The slats should be spaced closely enough to prevent little ones from getting their heads or limbs stuck between them. The maximum space between slats should be 6 cm. 

3. Proper height and adjustable mattress levels - The crib’s height should start higher for newborns, then go lower as the baby grows and starts standing. Check that the height adjustments lock securely.

4. Rounded edges and no sharp corners - This helps reduce the risk of injury when the baby becomes more mobile. 

Should You Choose a Wooden Baby Crib?

Wooden baby cribs are especially popular in Singapore. It’s easy to see why. 

The best ones can withstand years of use, even compared to plastic or mesh models. Good ones also tend to squeak less than metal or plastic ones, which is helpful at nighttime.

They’re usually eco-friendly and often have safer paint finishes too. Plus, a lot of them now come in convertible designs that turn the crib into a toddler bed!

If you do choose to go with a wooden baby crib, here are some points to remember:

• Look for hardwood cribs, not softwood ones. The former lasts longer — solid hardwood is more durable than softwood.

• Check for a smooth and sanded finish with no rough surfaces that could scratch your baby. 

• Ensure that the item has non-toxic or water-based paints and finishes. 

• Look for stable joints and high build quality.

Picking the Right Size and Design for Your Home

You can choose from a range of crib sizes nowadays. 

Standard-sized ones provide longer usage than micro-cribs and are easier to find mattresses for. On the other hand, micro-cribs are easier to fit in a small home or room.

You may also want to look into convertible or compact cribs. The former can transition into toddler beds for longer use and cost-efficiency. As for the latter, they may suit families who travel often.

Above all, measure the room before buying. Remember to allow space for movement around the crib and for comfortable diaper changing and feeding if needed.

How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress

Once you’ve picked a crib, the next step is to choose the best crib mattress in Singapore to go with it. Here are the key points to remember:

1. Check the firmness - A firm mattress reduces the risk of suffocation and supports healthy spine development. 

2. Get the exact fit - The mattress must fit snugly inside the crib. Ensure there are no gaps larger than two fingers. This helps prevent babies from rolling into dangerous spaces 

3. Prefer breathable materials - Mattresses with breathable covers or cores help regulate temperature in humid weather. 

4. Find hypoallergenic choices - This is useful for babies with sensitive skin. 

5. Get waterproof or water-resistant covers - A waterproof cover keeps the mattress clean from spills, drools, and diaper leaks, which are nearly inevitable.

Additional Features that Make Parenting Easier

Now we’ve covered the requirements or must-have features. But what if you want the nice-to-have ones as well? Here’s a list of useful add-ons to look for:

• Teething rails 

• Storage drawers 

• Wheels with lockable brakes 

• Convertible rails as the baby grows 

• Easy-to-clean materials 

• Simple assembly 

Remember to choose features that fit your lifestyle. For example, if you still need more storage, look for cribs with extra drawers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Crib

There are some mistakes parents frequently make when shopping for cribs. Knowing these ahead of time may help you avoid them:

• Buying based only on design, not safety. Safety first! 

• Choosing heavily padded bedding (it’s unsafe for newborns). 

• Using second-hand cribs without checking wear and tear. 

• Selecting overly soft mattresses (again, this can be unsafe).

• Not checking if the mattress and crib measurements match. 

• Buying cribs with drop-down sizes (not recommended for safety).

Get More Awesome Mummy and Baby Advice

That should tell you all you need to know about looking for a safe, sturdy, and comfy crib for your little one.

If you want more baby care tips, check out the rest of our Mummy Guru guides and articles. We have ones on everything from newborn sleep routines to nursery essentials!