Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll want one that meets high safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that's suitable for your budget and space.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from eco-friendly wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of visually appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a quality crib is its safety. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older one ensure that the mattress and bedding meets government safety standards. Also, avoid bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your infant up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your child, choose a crib with the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals show that the crib was tested by a third-party, and that it has met the highest standards of safety. In addition the mattress should be firm, as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Also, check that the posts at the corners are not higher than 1/16 inch to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it's not involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to buy a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. However, they're not always easy to assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from crashing or shifting over time. It should also have a bottom for the drawer that is sturdy enough to hold clothing and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large quilts or blankets without sagging.
Design
The crib is the center of any nursery, therefore finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a jolly task. There are a myriad of cribs to choose from, ranging including modern, sleek models to classic-looking models. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights, and include toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go to the next level. Other features to consider include the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are typically constructed from wood, however not all cribs are created equal. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense and is derived from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that will last for many years, it's best to choose the hardwood option.
A good crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other dangers that could entrap the child's fingers or legs. It must also have a large enough opening that allows for easy sheet changes. It is also essential that the crib is anchored to its room and not placed near windows or other possible dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib, it is crucial to be aware of the safety guidelines set 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 aspects such as the size of your crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but most of them meet or exceed the requirements. For example 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 requirements for quality of construction, spindle load support, and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than many of the other cribs we reviewed, but it's a great option for those looking for an elegant modern crib that can last many siblings. It's also more sturdy than the other cribs we have looked at. It will also take up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller ones we have examined. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be the ideal choice for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made using materials that are strong and safe, which means they won't break or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. If you opt for foam or innerspring it must be in compliance with CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. If you opt for the foam mattress, search for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means the mattress is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain any metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a strong long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is built to last. It has four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into a toddler bed or a day bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit in with any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
If they have signs that they are worn out or aren't being maintained or assembled correctly it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts which could trap the baby's head or legs and arms, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction elements that are unsafe, like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items are not recommended as they could pose a risk to a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets cribs, cradles and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues or nails, and they utilize heated wood. The products are sold in many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy the items on the internet. They offer a variety of paint and stain options as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to think about your budget when purchasing a crib. The right crib will add value to your nursery, and you can save money over time. Apart from being durable, a good crib will be simple to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is important to buy a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will permit you to get recall notices much sooner than otherwise.
Style and cost are just two of the many elements that influence the selection of the right crib for your child. Some of these factors are personal preferences, such as whether you want to use slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and important, such as crib size and mattress height. There are a variety of cribs, from compact models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that can transform into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others which allows parents to get plenty of use from them and to grow with their children. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for families with growing children. Its narrow width makes it easy to move and its circular design creates a womb-like environment for infants.
Other cribs that are worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. good cribs are sleek, minimalistic designs that compliment any nursery decor. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs have four adjustable levels of mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to completion. The cribs come with an instruction manual, as well as the tools required. There is no need to purchase cribs separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety requirements. However recommended you read had more components than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions before attempting the assembly.