Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll need one that meets the highest safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want one that fits in your space and your budget.
Our top picks are a modern, minimalist crib made 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 variety of appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a good crib is its safety. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing an older crib, make sure the mattress and bedding meets government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your child up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other suffocation injuries in infants.
If you want to ensure the safety of your child pick a crib that has 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 is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Mattresses with soft surfaces can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be no more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to avoid the baby's head getting trapped between them. Make sure that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inch in height, to avoid a baby's clothing catching on them.
If you are thinking of buying a used crib make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also important 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, which can cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, make sure whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They're not always easy to assemble and may need professional installation.
A good crib should also be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to stop the crib from slipping or collapsing with time. It should have a thick enough bottom that can hold toys and clothes. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from taking out the contents. Furthermore, it should be able to withstand the weight of a large blanket or quilt without falling.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so finding one that matches your decorating style can be a jolly task. There are small cot beds of cribs to choose from, ranging with modern and sleek options to classic-looking models. Some cribs have slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move onto the next stage. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are typically constructed from wood, however not all cribs are the same. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is more dense and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. Other cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for many years, it's best to choose the hardwood option.
A crib that is well-designed to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other potential dangers that could entrap a little one's fingers or legs. It should also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It's also important to ensure that the crib is securely anchored in its room, and not placed close to windows or other potential dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib it is essential 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 prevent SIDS and cover a range of aspects, including the size of the crib and the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we reviewed have met or exceeded these standards, but some are more strict than others. For instance, the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also meets or surpasses the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality, spindle load support, and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than a few cribs we looked at but it's an excellent option if you're looking for a stylish modern crib that will last through several siblings. It is also more substantial than other cribs that we have reviewed. It will also take up more space in your room compared to some of the smaller ones we have examined. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal choice for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from materials that are durable and safe, so they won't split or break over time. It must be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Choose a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a strong long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a wood crib built to last. It comes with four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into a toddler bed or a day bed, and later 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 baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or are not correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts that can hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction elements that are unsafe, such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as bumpers, wedges and other ornamental pieces should be avoided, because they may pose health risks to babies.
Romina is a family-owned firm that produces beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. 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 stronger than glues or nails, and they utilize heated wood. Their products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy these products on the internet. They have a variety of different stain and paint options, as well as a variety of hardware.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive, so it is important to consider your budget before purchasing one. However, the right crib can add significant value to your nursery and save you money in the long term. In addition to being durable, a good crib will be easy to put together and look stunning 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 notices much sooner than you would otherwise.
The style and price are just two of the many aspects that influence the selection of the ideal crib for your child. A few of these factors are personal preference, such as whether to use slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and essential like crib size and mattress height. There are a variety of cribs. Some are small and fit into 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 and allow parents to get a lot of use from 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, making it ideal for families with growing children. Its narrow width makes it easy to move and its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are great options. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small mouths and hands. This reduces the chance of SIDS. These cribs come with four levels of mattress support, so you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled within an hour or less. The cribs come with a user's manual along with the tools needed. You don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we tested were in compliance with CPSC safety requirements. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.