What Type of Crib Is Best for a Newborn?
The most important consideration when choosing a baby bed is sleep safety, following the recommendations of theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)Babies should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface in a bassinet or crib that meets safety standards, with no pillows, blankets, soft toys or crib bumpers. They should share their parents' room but have a separate sleep space. When choosing a newborn crib, consider the various requirements so you can find a bed that meets both your baby's needs and your own.
1. Standard Size and a Snugly Fitting Mattress
Choose a standard-size crib with a mattress that fits the frame snugly. Once the mattress is in place, there should be no gap between it and the crib sides wide enough to fit more than two fingers, as your baby could become trapped.
2. Crib Frame Safety
Slats should be no more than approximately 6 cm apart to prevent your baby's head from slipping through. There should be no protruding corner posts, decorative cutouts that could catch your baby's neck or clothing, sharp edges, splinters or peeling paint. Avoid drop-side cribs, which have had safety problems.
3. A Firm, Flat and Clear Sleep Surface
Safe comfort for a baby means a firm mattress that does not sink, covered with a snugly fitted sheet. Do not use soft, plush mattresses, crib bumpers, fabric side covers or quilts padded around the crib, as these increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
4. Durability
Choose a sturdy crib made from quality materials, with nontoxic paint and materials, as your baby may bite or lick the rails.
5. Adjustable Mattress Base Height
A height-adjustable mattress base makes it easier to lay down and pick up your newborn. When your baby starts sitting up, lower the mattress base, and when they can pull up to stand, set it to the lowest position to prevent them from climbing or falling over the rails.
These steps can help you choose a safe crib that suits your baby. Remember to check the details before placing an order. Explore the store's bassinets and cribs.
| Requirement | How to Choose a Newborn Crib |
|---|---|
| Size and Mattress | The mattress fits the crib frame snugly, with no gaps wider than two fingers. |
| Safety | Slats are no more than approximately 6 cm apart, with no protruding corner posts or sharp edges. |
| Sleep Surface | Firm and flat, with no pillows, blankets, soft toys or crib bumpers. |
| Durability | A sturdy frame with safe materials and paint. |
| Height Adjustment | Lower the mattress base when your baby starts sitting, and use the lowest position when they pull up to stand. |
Choosing a Crib for Your Baby's Age
Your baby's needs change with age, so their bed should suit each stage of development.
Beds for Newborns Aged 0–6 Months
In the newborn stage, many families choose a small bassinet or bedside crib in the parents' bedroom for easier nighttime care and feeding. Follow the manufacturer's maximum weight and age limits, and move your baby to a larger crib when they begin rolling over, pushing up or exceeding the weight limit.
Cribs for Babies Aged 6 Months–1 Year and Beyond
When your baby begins sitting, crawling and pulling up to stand, use a crib with sturdy, sufficiently high rails. Lower the mattress base as your baby develops, and move them to a toddler bed when they start climbing out. Do not place large toys or pillows in the crib that your baby could use as steps.
| Age | Suitable Bed Type |
|---|---|
| 0–6 months | A bassinet or bedside crib that meets safety standards, used within the specified weight limit. |
| 6 months–1 year | A crib with sturdy rails; lower the mattress base when your baby starts sitting and pulling up to stand. |
Choosing an age-appropriate bed helps your baby sleep comfortably and safely. Read more about preparing a newborn's bedroom.
What Type of Baby Bed Is Safe?
When choosing a newborn crib, check its safety features carefully, especially as your baby becomes more active.
- Choose a crib labeled as meeting crib safety standards and supplied with clear assembly instructions.
- Follow the assembly instructions, tighten all bolts securely and regularly check for loose, broken or missing parts.
- Do not buy a secondhand crib with an unknown history or missing parts.
- Place the crib away from windows, curtain cords, electrical cables and heaters.
- Use the mattress supplied with the crib or one in the exact size specified by the manufacturer.
Precaution: Babies should not sleep on sofas, soft cushions, waterbeds or pads that are not designed for sleeping. They should also not be left asleep in a car seat, stroller or rocking cradle for long periods without adult supervision, according to guidance from the NHS.
A Comfortable Baby Bed
A baby's bed gets its comfort from a firm, snugly fitting mattress rather than softness, along with a bedroom that is neither too hot nor too cold and clothing suited to the weather.
- Use a firm mattress that fits the crib snugly and a well-fitting fitted sheet (read how to choose a baby mattress).
- Replace blankets with a properly fitting baby sleep sack.
- Do not use crib bumpers or fabric side covers, even if they look soft and protect against bumps on the rails, because they pose a suffocation risk.
- Do not overdress your baby or use overly thick bedding, as overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
| Comfortable and Safe Sleep |
|---|
| 1. A firm mattress that fits the crib snugly |
| 2. No pillows, blankets, soft toys or crib bumpers |
| 3. A well-ventilated room at a comfortable temperature |
Setting up your baby's sleep space correctly helps them sleep comfortably and safely, while easing your own worries.
A Durable Newborn Crib
Choose a durable newborn crib for long-lasting, safe use. Look for quality materials, a sturdy structure and a weight capacity suitable for your baby, as specified by the manufacturer.
Check that the rails, mattress base and all fastenings are sturdy and do not wobble. When your baby starts pulling up to stand or shaking the rails, the crib must not shift or come apart. Some models convert into toddler beds, offering better value over time, but use only the parts and conversion methods specified in the instructions.
A Newborn Crib with Adjustable Height
| Benefits of an Adjustable-Height Crib | What to Know |
|---|---|
| A higher mattress base during the newborn stage makes laying down and picking up your baby easier and reduces bending for parents. | Use the higher position only while your baby cannot yet roll over or push up. |
| The mattress base can be lowered as your baby grows. | Lower it when your baby starts sitting, and use the lowest position when they pull up to stand. |
Choosing a crib with an adjustable mattress base helps it suit each stage of your baby's development. After every adjustment, check that it is securely locked.
Examples of Adjustable-Height Newborn Cribs
Here are some features you can consider:
- Cribs with several mattress base heights that convert into toddler beds, such as cribs from Stokke.
- Bedside cribs that adjust to the height of the parents' bed and have straps to secure them to it.
- Cribs with storage shelves underneath, so you do not need to keep items inside your baby's sleep space.
Choosing a suitable adjustable-height crib lets you use it conveniently and safely as your baby grows.
An Additional Recommendation from Our Team"Snow Owl Smart Swing Bedside Crib 0m+ Electric Baby Bed with Automatic Rocking"This product is designed to provide comfort and safety for babies and children. It offers a range of modern features and useful functions and is suitable for babies weighing 0–9 kg.
Key Features:
- A baby bed suitable from birth, with a weight capacity of up to 9 kg.
- An automatic rocking system with 2 rocking settings.
- 8 soothing melodies to help your baby drift off to sleep.
- Adjustable music volume to suit your needs.
- Easy remote control of all functions, whether you want to rock your baby or play music.
- The bed adjusts to 10 height settings! Whether the parents' bed is low or high, it can easily be adjusted to match.
- An easily opening side makes lifting your baby in and out convenient, with a safety system that must be unlocked before opening the side for added security.
- Adjustable height allows it to fit neatly beside the parents' bed, with securing straps to prevent movement for added safety.
- Excellent ventilation through 3D mesh fabric on all sides.
- The 3D woven fabric provides excellent ventilation and a softer, gentler feel against your baby's skin.
- A multipurpose storage shelf underneath keeps essentials easy to reach.
- Wheels with brakes make it easy to move around the home.
- A bright, soft white finish is easy on the eyes and complements any home color scheme.
When using a bedside crib or rocking cradle, follow the manufacturer's maximum weight and age limits, always place your baby on their back and stop using it when they can roll over or push up.
Conclusion
Safety should come first when choosing a newborn crib: a firm mattress that fits snugly, slats no more than approximately 6 cm apart, no pillows, blankets, soft toys or crib bumpers, and placing your baby on their back every time. Then consider durability, adjustable mattress base height (lowering it when your baby starts sitting and pulling up to stand), your budget and your preferred style. Read more about things to avoid while your baby sleeps.