Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll need one that is safe and meets the highest standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks include modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood A convertible crib that can grow as a toddler into a daybed and bed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a good crib. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing an older one, make sure the mattress and other bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid bumper pads and positioners, as well as other items which raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and 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 indicate that the crib has been tested by a third-party, and that it meets the highest standards of safety. Additionally, the mattress should be firm, since mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, check that the corner posts aren't higher than 1/16 inch to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking about buying a used crib, be sure it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also crucial to buy a crib that is made of lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, ensure whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to convert to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they aren't always simple to put together and may require professional installation.
A quality crib should have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from slipping or collapsing in the course of time. It should also have a drawer bottom that is strong enough to support clothes and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so choosing one that fits your decor style can be a jolly task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, ranging with modern and sleek options to classic-looking designs. The slats tend to be of different heights and some include toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to go up. Mattress height and crib size are also important features to consider.
Cribs are usually constructed from wood, however not all cribs are made of wood. Some cribs are made of hardwood which has a greater density and comes from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves during the 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 many children hardwood is the ideal option.
A good crib is built for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp corners or any other potential hazards which could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to change the sheets easily. It is also crucial to ensure that the crib is securely fixed to its place and is not placed near any windows or other possible dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib it is important to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a range of aspects such as the size of your crib and the type of mattress you choose.
The majority of cribs we reviewed meet or exceed these standards, but some are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction, chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than many cribs we examined, but it's a great choice if you want a modern and stylish crib that will last several siblings. It's also larger than other cribs we have reviewed. It will also take up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller cribs we've looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal choice for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from materials that are durable and safe, so they won't break or splinter over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. Whether recommended cribs choose innerspring or foam it must be in compliance with CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you opt for the foam mattress, search for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a tough, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is made to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into a toddler bed or a day bed, and then to an adult-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic design will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
If they show signs that they are worn out or aren't being maintained or assembled correctly, it is time to replace them. These include decorative cutouts that can entrap the baby's head, arms or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances; splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous such as poorly spaced slats and drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items must be avoided as they can also pose risks to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned firm that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. Amish craftsmen in Ohio produce their furniture from sustainably harvested solid wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They are also available online. They offer a variety of paint and stain options and hardware options.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive and it is crucial to consider your budget before purchasing one. But, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to put together, and looks great in the nursery. It is crucial to choose a crib that adheres with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices sooner than you normally.
The style and price are just two of the many aspects that go into choosing the ideal crib for your child. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats or flat panels, are purely personal preference, while other, such as the size of the crib and mattress' height are more practical. There are a variety of cribs, ranging from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This lets parents use them for a longer amount of time, and to develop with their child. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler daybed, making it ideal for families with growing children. Its small width makes it easy to move and its circular design creates a womb-like environment for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are excellent options. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little hands and mouths, reducing the chance of SIDS. The cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, so you can move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to completion. They also come with an extensive instruction manual as well as the essential tools, so you don't have to buy them separately. All cribs that we reviewed were in compliance with CPSC safety requirements. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.