Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that meets high 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 budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that transforms with the baby, becoming a toddler daybed and bed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important features of a good crib. If you're buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that's older make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other objects that can lift your infant up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and the risk of suffocation among infants.
If you want to ensure the safety of your baby select a crib that bears the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals signify that the crib has been evaluated by a third party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Additionally, the mattress should be firm, since mattresses with soft surfaces 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. Check that the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inch in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on the posts.
Additionally, if you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying cribs that have 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.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be converted to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they're not always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from collapsing or shifting over time. It should have a thick enough bottom drawer to hold clothing and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot take the contents. Furthermore, it should be able to hold the weight of a large blanket or quilt without falling.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decorating can be a lot of fun. There are a myriad of cribs, from sleek modern designs to classic styles. The slats are usually different in height and some include toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to grow. Other aspects to consider include the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are typically made of wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is more dense and comes from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter, while others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. cot bed sales have their benefits However, if you're searching for a crib that will last through several children it is best to select the hardwood option.
A good crib is built to provide safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or any other potential hazards which could cause injury to children's fingers or their legs. It should have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial that the crib be properly secured to its place 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 standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to assist in the prevention of SIDS, and they take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
Some cribs are more rigorous than others, but most of them are in line with or exceed the standards. For instance, the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction chemical and heavy metal content and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we examined, but if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib for your baby that will last for many generations, this is an excellent option. It is also more substantial than the other cribs we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller ones we have considered. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it may not be the ideal choice for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with durable and safe materials that won't cause damage or break down over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. If you choose a foam mattress, look for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is an extremely durable and long-lasting material that's free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a top-quality wood crib. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made 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 will blend into any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced when they are showing signs of wear or are not correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which could keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, 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 items like wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces should be avoided as they could pose health hazards for infants.
Romina is a family-owned company that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues and nails, and they use the kiln-dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased online. They have a wide range of paint and stain options as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly It is therefore important to consider your budget before purchasing one. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery and will save money over time. A quality crib is sturdy, easy to assemble, and looks great in the nursery. It is essential to purchase a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices earlier than you would normally.
Style and cost are just two of the many factors that influence the selection of the ideal crib for your child. Some of these are personal preferences, such as whether to use flat panels or slats while others are more practical and crucial for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are a variety of cribs. Some are compact and can be tucked away in small spaces while others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more adaptable than others. This lets parents make use of them for a longer period of time and also to grow with their child. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, a midi crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it perfect for growing families. Its small width and wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape allows for the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature modern, minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor in the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small mouths and hands. This lowers the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted which allows you to move the mattress higher as your baby grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, and take about an hour or less from start to the end. They also come with an extensive instruction manual and the necessary tools, so you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions before attempting the assembly.