Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
The most common sizes for standard cribs are 52 x 28 inches (regular size) and 38 x 24 inches (mini size). Check how much space you have in the room where you plan to use it, and then choose a crib from there. There are also custom sizes, but those are usually more expensive.
Both standard sizes can accommodate babies up to 24 months, but starting at 6 months old, the smaller size might be a little cramped for babies that start to toss and turn. Remember that choosing a smaller size might mean that you won’t be able to use it for a long time.
When deciding on the best size of the crib for your baby, do take into account the size and layout of the room you'll be placing your baby's crib in. It's best to keep the crib away from windows that allow direct sunlight. It's also important to keep the crib away from any loose strings, like those used for curtains and blinds, as they can strangle and/or entangle your baby.
Plastic and wood are the two most common materials for cribs. Plastic baby cribs are more convenient, lightweight, and usually offer more features. Wood cribs are beautiful and sturdy, but often can't be moved elsewhere.
It's more important to look at the features of the crib rather than the material alone, as both materials are suitable for your baby. If you're a mobile parent, a plastic crib can make it easier for you to watch your baby from any part of the house. If you want an elegant-looking piece of furniture, then wooden cribs are for you.
Whatever material you choose for your child's crib, do avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or holes in the headboard or footboard, as your child's head or limbs could become entrapped in them.
If the crib has corner posts, they should be flush with the end panels, or they should be very tall (like posts on a canopy bed). Clothing and ribbons can catch on corner posts that jut out and post a strangulation risk.
The baby's comfort is the most important feature of a crib. However, the crib is there to help both the child and the parents. Plenty of cribs have additional features that can help you care for your child.
Like with any equipment or furniture with movable and/or detachable parts, regularly check for wear and tear, good fit, and good function. It's important to regularly test the wheels, brakes, and other attachments.
Replacement parts must be obtained from the manufacturer if any component needs replacing. Never substitute original parts with parts from another manufacturer or generic parts from a hardware store.
Another benefit of a crib with an adjustable height is that it allows you to lower the mattress as your child grows. It's important to make sure that the sides of the crib are at least 26 inches (around 66cm) above the mattress support in its lowest position.
Before your baby can already sit, lower the mattress of the crib to the level where they cannot fall out either by leaning against the side or by pulling themselves over the sides
Some cribs are outfitted with drawers and baskets to place a baby's needs. This makes sure that the baby's diapers, clothes, and toys are within arm's reach for parents who want to breeze through childcare. These storage spaces are usually underneath the crib.
This feature is particularly great for infants who cannot be left alone whatsoever. Most cribs with this feature are bassinets or mini cribs because having all the childcare materials close-by comes in handy when the babies are very young.
It's always a good idea to have the items you'll need for your baby within arm's reach. Whether it's for a diaper change or if you're dressing your baby up, make sure you have everything ready and easily accessible to avoid having to leave your baby unattended. Remember to always have at least one hand on your child at all times.
As adults, we usually pick out a mattress based on comfort. However, for your baby, mattresses are there for safety above all. Make sure your mattress fits snuggly in the crib so the baby doesn't roll or walk over to the edge and suffer a small fall. All cribs come with a mattress that's already a perfect fit, so the mattress is an important feature when picking out a crib.
It's also important for it to be completely flat to prevent any unnecessary bumps for your baby. The mattress should also be firm but not hard. A very soft mattress actually hurts your baby's back and can even be a safety hazard when they start to stand up in the crib.
Your baby's mattress should be firm and the same size as their crib so that there are no gaps that can trap their limbs or other parts of their body. You can check the acceptability of any gap between the mattress and the crib by checking to see how many fingers you can insert between them. No gap should fit more than two of your fingers.
Convertible cribs grow as your baby grows older. Some of them start as small as a mini crib and grow as big as toddlers' playpen. While these convertible cribs can cost quite a bit, it is a worthwhile investment because they can use them longer than a standard one.
Some cribs also convert into other pieces of furniture, like desks and changing tables. Once you find a great convertible crib, it can last you the whole of a baby's infancy and even into their early toddlerhood.
Convertible cribs can be practical for families that want to make the most out of their baby's furniture. When considering these convertible cribs, always check that anything that moves or detaches can be safely and securely fastened/stored.
Always check attachments, joints, and parts for any wear and tear. If you notice that your child is able to unhook or detach parts of the crib, it may be time to graduate your child to a more appropriate sleeping space.
Foldable cribs are a good option for families who may want to make efficient use of their space. Do check the material of the crib for its durability and sturdiness to make sure that their portability and ease of storage do not compromise the quality of the crib.
This crib is decked out with all of the features needed for a great crib. It has a large size that can handle your young child, but it also comes with a detachable bassinet while they are still an infant. It also comes with a detachable diaper changer that creates a stable surface to place your baby on.
Even with all these features, it still is very lightweight and mobile. It is fully foldable and comes with its own carrying bag for long-distance trips. It also comes with wheels for moving around the house. Reviewers have also enjoyed the durability of the crib and its overall quality.
This crib is a multi-purpose childcare dream, with its detachable bassinet and storage capabilities. The bassinet can be taken anywhere then placed comfortably above the playpen underneath. It is at the perfect height to be eye-level from your bed and makes it easy to pick up your baby.
The diaper changer also houses the storage area where you can put your baby's diapers and napkins. It's also outfitted with wipe-clean fabric that makes cleaning up a breeze. The entire crib folds at the push of a button, which makes it easy to move around.
Coming with a number of accessories, this crib will keep your baby comfortable and entertained. It comes with a luxury canopy with a mosquito net and toys to make your baby smile. It also has a bassinet and a lot of space for your baby to sleep securely and explore when they're up and about.
For mom and dad's extra convenience, this crib comes with an attachable changer. It has two wheels, too, for extra mobility and is foldable. It's quick and easy to assemble, so if you're moving soon, you won't have a hard time setting this up in your new home. Overall, it's a multifunctional crib that you and your baby will love.
Despite this crib's affordable price, it still has some great features. The mattress is adjustable, and the sides are made of mesh for your baby's comfort. It even comes with a detachable mosquito net for those hot summer nights, keeping your baby safe from mosquito bites. It also has airy mesh to keep your baby presko.
The wheels allow you to move the crib around for mobility, and they even auto-lock when you need your crib to stay steady. It's also foldable and can be taken apart for easy storage and traveling.
Chicco is an established brand for baby goods, and their cribs are made with the excellent quality they are known for. This crib is simple but durable. Babies can sleep comfortably and safely as newborns in the crib setting, then play in the playpen setting once they are older as it transforms to a full cot.
The entirety of the crib is wrapped around in mesh, which allows air to circulate and keep the baby cool, especially during particularly hot days. This crib can be folded in as fast as 10 seconds and can be stored in the included travel bag for on-the-go childcare. For those looking for something sleek and aesthetic, this is for you!
This crib's most prominent feature is how your child can use it until they're a toddler because it goes from bassinet to crib and playpen to tiny desk. This makes the crib a worthwhile investment for a fairly affordable price. It also has wheels that can be locked and are detachable for stationary use.
The design is classic and made up of New Zealand pine, making it durable. It even has a drop door design for co-sleeping and diaper changing. Wooden cribs are traditional but a little hard to maintain as compared to the usual plastic, although they're still convenient and can be used for the early childhood years to come.
This is the cheapest crib on our list, but it still has plenty of features that make it a good choice for your baby. There are two levels of use: a crib for infants and the other as a crib and a playpen for a toddler. It has wheels with brakes on one side, which can stop the light movements of your baby.
It's also foldable with easy-to-understand instructions, making it convenient to take around while traveling. This crib is best suited for families looking for a lightweight crib to take to different places. The materials aren't the most durable, but it's good enough for light use.
This compact baby bed is perfect for infants and their parents because it can be converted into a co-sleeper for safe but satisfying together time. The mattress is padded, and the sides are very breathable mesh, making it comfortable for babies to sleep in.
It can also be made into a rocking bed for fussy babies who need a bit of movement to fall asleep. The adjustable height makes it easy for parents to keep an eye out for their newborns. As this product is just for young babies, all the materials are soft, and it even has a security belt to strap onto the parents' bed.
This crib is a two-in-one rocker and crib, making it a strong contender since rockers are incredibly comforting to babies, especially as they're falling asleep. It has other useful features, too, such as foldable wheels that will allow you to transport the crib easily from room to room.
It also has a large storage basket that hangs from the bottom of the crib, so you can keep your baby's essentials such as diapers and wipes near at all times. It's made of high-quality steel, having a large carrying capacity of 50 kg. With its spacious bed, it's suitable for babies up to 18 months, supporting them at different stages.
This part of the article features Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao's answers to some of the internet's most asked questions!
Yes! If your baby's crib meets all safety guidelines, it should be safe even for your newborn. More crucial than the actual crib is your baby's sleep environment. Avoid putting things in your baby's crib, no matter how tempting it is or how cute they look with all their toys, pillows, and beddings.
Safe newborn sleep is where your newborn is sleeping on their back on a firm mattress with no loose items around them (including pillows, bumpers, blankets, and toys!), and they are not over or underclothed.
There is no hard-and-fast rule for when a toddler is ready to move on from the crib, and little ones generally make the switch any time between 18 months to 3 and a half years old (usually before 3 years old). Another helpful guideline is that if your child is already about 3 feet tall (about 90 cm), they should start sleeping in a bed already.
There's no one best way to transition your child from crib to bed. Some parents would simply put their child's crib mattress on the floor to help ease the transition. Other families find using toddler beds, which are generally low on the ground and can accommodate an existing crib mattress, helpful, but they're not necessary.
You can always install a removable guardrail on a twin bed to keep your toddler from falling out of it. Making a bed more appealing for your child by letting them pick out their sleeping accessories (from the patterns of their mattress and pillowcases to the pillows and stuffed animals they'd like to have with them while sleeping) can also help encourage them to use the bed.
There should be nothing in your baby's crib except your baby. It's very tempting to put toys, pillows, and blankets in your baby's crib, but these can all pose a suffocation risk to your child.
Another tempting addition are crib bumpers, but there is actually no evidence that bumper pads can prevent serious injuries, and they may also actually pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.
In addition, older babies can use these items for climbing out of the crib. When setting up your baby's crib and sleep space, the dictum that less is more (and is much safer) really holds true.
Before making a purchase, there are a number of features all families should check to ensure the safety of their baby's crib.
A crib isn't the only piece of equipment you'll need to effectively take care of your baby. A high chair makes sure you can feed your baby in relative peace. A swaddle can help you get to know your baby while carrying them safely. A baby walker can help babies get used to walking on their own.
There are tons of things to take care of as a parent, so we've taken care of looking for the best baby gear in the market. Take a look at our top 10 high chairs, swaddles, and baby walkers for your child.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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