Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits into your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood and a convertible crib that transforms with baby into a toddler bed and daybed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
One of the most important features of a quality crib is its security. If you're buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that is old make sure that the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Avoid bumper pads and positioners, as well as other products that elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby Look for cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals show that the crib was inspected by a third-party and has met the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress should be firm, as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced between 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Make sure that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inch in height to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on the posts.
If explanation are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure that it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is because teething babies can chew the rails and cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, check that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require professional installation.
A quality crib should have slats and sides that are strong enough to keep the crib from shifting or collapsing with time. It should also have a bottom for the drawer that is strong enough to hold toys and clothing. The drawer should also be able close and lock in a secure way so that your child is unable to pull out the contents. Furthermore it should be able to hold the weight of a heavy blanket or quilt without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor can be a lot of fun. There are a variety of cribs that range from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. The slats are often of different heights and some are equipped with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to move up. Other aspects to consider include the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are typically made of wood, however not all are created to be the same. Some are made of hardwood, which is heavier and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for a long time it is best to select a hardwood option.
A good crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other dangers that could entrap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also important that the crib is properly secured to its place and not placed close to windows or other potential dangers.
If you're looking to buy a crib, you need to know the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to assist in the prevention of SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the dimensions of the crib and the kind of mattress you select.
Most of the cribs we looked at have met or exceeded these standards, but some are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality and spindle load support and heavy and chemical content.
It's a bit more expensive than other cribs that we examined However, if you're searching for a chic modern crib for your baby that can last for many generations, this is an excellent option. It's also more substantial than the cribs we examined, and it will take up more square footage in your room than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it might not be the best fit for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed of sturdy and safe materials that won't cause damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. Whether you choose foam or innerspring mattress, it must meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must also be firm as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Find a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without PBDEs, ozone depleters, and TCEP flame retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a tough and long-lasting chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a wood crib that is built to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, day bed or a full-sized bed to meet the needs of your child as they develop. Its classic design will blend in with any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced if they show signs of wear or are not correctly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that can trap a baby's head, arms, or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and construction elements that are unsafe like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, cot sets as wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces should be avoided as they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful company that makes wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Amish craftsmen from Ohio create their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues or nails, and they use heated wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase these products online. They have a wide range of paint and stain options, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are expensive and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to buying one. However, the right crib can add significant value to your nursery and help you save money in the long run. A good crib is durable, easy to assemble, and looks great in the nursery. It is important to buy an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with the CPSC will enable you to get recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Cost and style are only two of the many factors that determine the right crib for your child. Some of these are personal preferences, such as whether to choose flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and crucial, such as crib size and the mattress's height. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and can fit in smaller spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the most popular cribs on the market are designed to be more flexible than others which allows parents to get a lot of use from the crib and develop with their children. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet midi crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for families that are growing. Its narrow width and wheels make it simple to move around, and its unique circular shape helps create the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs have modern, minimalist designs that will complement any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This reduces the chance of SIDS. These cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress higher as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to assemble, taking about an hour or less from beginning to completion. They also come with an extensive instruction manual as well as the necessary tools, so you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we tested were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However, some cribs had more components than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting the assembly.