Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits in your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that can grow with baby into a toddler bed and daybed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a good crib is its safety. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing an older crib ensure that the mattress and other bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other products that elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby, look for a crib that has the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and has met the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Check that the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inches in height to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on them.
If you are thinking of buying a used crib make sure it's not involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also essential to buy a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is because babies who are teething can chew the rails and lead poisoning can result.
Also, if you purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to convert to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they're not always easy to assemble and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should have solid sides and slats, which are strong enough to prevent the crib from collapsing or shifting with time. It should have a sturdy enough bottom drawer to hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot take the contents. Furthermore it should be able to withstand the weight of a large blanket or quilt without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that fits your style of decoration is a great way to have fun. There are a myriad of cribs, from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. The slats are often of various heights and some include toddler conversion kits to help you when your baby is ready to go up. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are usually constructed from wood, however not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made from hardwood, which is more dense 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 advantages However, if you're searching for a crib that will last through several children, it's best to choose the hardwood option.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It shouldn't have sharp corners or other dangers that could trap a child's fingers or leg. It must also have a large enough opening for easy sheet changes. It is also crucial to ensure that the crib is properly anchored within its space and is not placed close to windows or other possible dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of the safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a range of factors that include the size of the crib and the type of mattress you choose.
The majority of cribs we examined are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them However, some cribs are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is made of sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for quality of construction, spindle load support, and chemical and heavy metal content.
It's more expensive than the other cribs we reviewed However, if you're searching for a stylish modern crib for your baby that can last for a long time, this is a great option. It's also more substantial than the cribs we examined, and it will take up more square footage in your space than some of the smaller cribs we examined. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be the ideal fit for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from materials that are durable and safe, which means they won't split or break over time. It must also be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep peacefully. If you opt for foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. Look for a foam mattress that is CertiPUR US certification. small cot beds means that the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It should not contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a durable, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent model of a wooden crib that is built to last. It has four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, day bed and a full-sized bed, to meet the needs of your child as they grow. Its classic design will blend into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.
If they exhibit signs of being worn out or aren't being properly assembled or maintained it is time to replace them. These include decorative cutouts that could trap the baby's head, arms or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers and other ornamental items must be avoided as they also pose dangers to a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned firm that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs, cradles and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they utilize heated wood. Their products are available in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy the items on the internet. They offer a wide selection of paint and stain choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
It is important to take into consideration your budget when purchasing a crib. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery and will save money over time. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to put together, and looks great in the nursery. It is also important to purchase cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notifications earlier than you normally.
The style and price are just two of the many elements that determine the right crib for your child. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while others such as the size of the crib and mattress' height are more practical. There are various types of cribs, ranging from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that transform into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get plenty of use from them and to grow with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be turned into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be turned into a midi toddler's bed or a large daybed. Its narrow width allows it to be moved easily and its circular design creates a womb-like space for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are excellent alternatives. Both cribs are minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, so you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to put together, taking around an hour or less from beginning to completion. They also come with a thorough instruction manual and all the essential tools, so you don't have to purchase them separately. The cribs we reviewed all conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC, but some included more components than others, so make certain to read the instructions carefully before attempting the assembly.