Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest 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 are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to the toddler bed and daybed as well as a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of attractive colors.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a crib that is worth buying is its security. If you're buying a new crib or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other items that lift your child up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been linked to SIDS and suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your baby's safety, look for cribs that bear the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals prove that the crib was tested by a third-party, and that it has met the highest standards of safety. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be not more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to avoid the baby's head getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the corner posts aren't higher than 1/16 inch to prevent a baby's clothes from catching on them.
Additionally, if you are contemplating buying a used crib make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase a crib with lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you do opt to buy a convertible crib, ensure whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they are not always simple to put together and may require a professional installation.
A good crib must be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from shifting or collapsing with time. It should have a thick enough bottom drawer to hold toys and clothes. The drawer should also be able close and lock tightly so that your baby cannot pull out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor can be fun. There are a variety of cribs, from modern and sleek designs to classic designs. Some cribs feature slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move onto the next stage. The crib's size and mattress height are also important factors to take into consideration.
Cribs are typically made of wood, however not all are made equal. Some cribs are constructed of hardwood that has a higher density and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves during winter. Some cribs are made of softwood that is lighter and comes from evergreens. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for many children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It should not have sharp corners or any other potential hazards which could entrap the child's fingers or legs. It should have a large enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It's also important to make sure the crib is securely fixed in its room and not close to windows or other potential dangers.
If you're shopping for a crib, it's important to know the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a range of factors, including the size of the crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, but the majority of them are in line with or exceed the standards. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, 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, build quality, chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we examined however if you're looking for a stylish modern crib for your baby that can last for many generations, this is an excellent choice. It's also a little more substantial than the cribs we looked at, and it will take up more square footage in your bedroom than the smaller cribs we examined. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it might not be the ideal choice for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be built using materials that are strong and safe, which means they won't break or splinter over time. click hyperlink must also be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep peacefully. Whether you choose innerspring or foam, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must also be firm since soft mattresses can 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 TCEP fire retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is a durable and long-lasting material that's free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a wood crib that is built to last. It comes with four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or a day bed, and later a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic design will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
If they show signs that they are worn out or not being properly assembled or maintained it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts which can keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs and arms, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and dangerous construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as bumpers, wedges and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they can pose health risks to babies.
Romina is a family-owned firm that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs, cradles and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio create their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they use heated wood. Their products are available in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available online. They offer a wide selection of stain and paint choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when buying a crib. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery, and you can save money over time. In addition to being durable, a good crib is easy to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is essential to purchase an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with the CPSC will enable you to receive recall notifications much earlier than if you did not register your crib.
The style and price are just two of the many factors that influence the selection of the right crib for your child. Some of these factors, like the use of slats or flat panels, are purely personal preference, while other like the size of the crib or mattress' height are more practical. There are various types of cribs, ranging from compact models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others, allowing parents to get a lot of use out of them and to grow with their children. For instance the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, which makes it the ideal choice for growing families. Its small width allows it to be easily moved, while its circular shape creates a womb-like space for babies.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of 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 up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be put together in an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase them separately. All cribs that we reviewed conformed to the CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Be sure to carefully read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.