Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you will want to ensure that it complies with the standards of safety that are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that is compatible with your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that can grow with the baby, becoming a toddler bed and daybed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a crib that is worth buying is its safety. If you are buying a brand new crib or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid small cot beds and positioners, as well as other objects that raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items have been linked to SIDS and suffocation injuries among 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 show that the crib was tested by a third-party, and that it meets 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 prevent the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Also, check that the corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch to keep baby's clothes from catching on them.
In addition, if you're considering buying a used crib make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to buy a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is because teething babies can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to convert into a full-size or toddler mattress. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these attributes, a great crib should have solid sides and slats, which are strong enough to stop the crib from falling over or shifting with time. It should also have a drawer bottom that is thick enough to support toys and clothing. The drawer should also be able to close and lock in a secure way so that your baby cannot remove the contents. Furthermore it should be able to withstand the weight of a bulky blanket or quilt without falling.
Design
Finding a crib that fits your style of decorating is a great way to have fun. There are a myriad of cribs that range from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. Some cribs have slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to move on. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are typically made of wood, though not all are made to be the same. Some cribs are made from hardwood, which has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves during winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and is sourced from evergreens. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that can last for a number of children hardwood is the ideal option.
A quality crib is built to provide safety and comfort. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other hazards that could entrap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial to ensure that the crib is securely fixed within its space and is not placed close to any windows or other dangers that could be posed.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is essential to be aware of the safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are geared towards the prevention of SIDS and cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the kind of mattress you select.
The majority of cribs we looked at are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them however some are more stringent than others. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality, spindle load support, and heavy metal and chemical content.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we examined, but if you're looking for a chic modern baby crib that will last for a long time, this is an excellent option. It's also a little larger than the cribs we looked at, and it will make more space in your bedroom than the smaller cribs we examined. It's more exposed to hardware than other cribs, therefore it might not be suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib should be built using materials that are strong and safe, which means they won't break or splinter over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can rest comfortably. If you choose to use innerspring or foam the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. If you choose a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means the mattress is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It should not contain any metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is an extremely durable and long-lasting substance which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent model of a wooden crib that is made to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed or day bed, and later it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or aren't properly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts that could keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and dangerous construction details such as inadequately-spaced slats or drop sides. Additionally, bumpers, wedges and other ornamental items are not recommended as they could pose a risk for a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned company that manufactures beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainable harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are stronger than glues or nails, and they employ the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available at numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available on the internet. They offer a wide selection of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are expensive and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to buying one. But, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and save you money in the long term. A good crib is durable and easy to put together and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is crucial to choose a crib that adheres with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will allow you to receive recall notifications much earlier than otherwise.
The style and price are just two of the many elements that influence the selection of the best crib for your child. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats or flat panels, are just personal preference, while other such as the crib size and the mattress's height are more practical. 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 top cribs on the market are designed to be more flexible than others, allowing 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 daybed, making it ideal for families that are growing. Its small width and wheels make it simple to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are good options. Both cribs feature minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any nursery decor. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' hands and mouths, reducing the risk of SIDS. These cribs come with four levels of mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to assemble, taking about an hour or less from beginning to completion. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the tools required. You don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety requirements. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.