Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, which are outlined 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 contemporary minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that grows as a toddler into a bed and daybed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important features of a crib that is safe. If you are buying a new crib or replacing one that is older make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your infant or create a slanted sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related 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 show that the crib was inspected by a third party and meets 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 should be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Make sure that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inch in height to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on them.
In addition, if you're thinking of buying a used crib, check that it has not been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething can chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, check that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. However, they aren't always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
A quality crib should be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from slipping or collapsing in the course of time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is sturdy enough to hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock securely so that your child is unable to pull out the contents. It should also be able support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decoration is a great way to have fun. There are many different cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking models. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go onto the next stage. The mattress's height and the crib's size are other important aspects to consider.
Cribs are typically made of wood, but not all cribs are created equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and comes from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made from softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both options have their advantages however if your objective is to buy a crib that can last for a number of children hardwood is the ideal option.
A good crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other hazards that could entrap a child's fingers or leg. It should also have a wide enough opening to change the sheets easily. It's also important to make sure the crib is securely fixed to its place and not close to windows or other possible dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is essential to be aware of safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of aspects that include the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we reviewed have met or exceeded these standards however some are more stringent than others. For example the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with non-toxic paints. nursery cots exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction as well as heavy and chemical content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than a few of the other cribs we looked at, but it's a great choice if you want a stylish modern crib that will last through several siblings. It's also more substantial than some of the other cribs we reviewed, and it will take up more square footage in your space than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It's got more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it's not suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with durable and safe materials that won't damage or break down over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can sleep comfortably. Whether you choose foam or innerspring mattress, it must meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must also be firm, since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you decide to purchase a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is made free of PBDEs, ozone depleters, and TCEP flame retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a top-quality wooden crib. It has four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to an infant bed or a day bed, and then to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they show signs of wear or have not been properly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that can trap the baby's head, arms or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances; splinters and construction elements that are unsafe like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items should be avoided because they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned company that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They use mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails, and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products are available at numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also purchase the items online. They offer a number of different paint and stain options, along with a variety of hardware.
Cost
It is crucial to consider your budget when buying a crib. However, the best crib can add value to your nursery and save you money over the long haul. In addition to being sturdy, a good crib will be simple to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is also essential to purchase a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will enable you to receive recall notices earlier than if you did not register your crib.
Cost and style are only two of the many factors that determine the best crib for your child. Certain aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while other, such as the crib size and the mattress's height, are more practical. There are also different types 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 best cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others which allows parents to get a lot of use from them and grow with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, can be converted into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be converted into a midi toddler's bed, or a daybed that is full-sized. Its small width and wheels make it simple to move around in, while its unique circular shape allows for an womb-like space for babies.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek, minimalist designs that complement any nursery decor. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small mouths and hands, which reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels that allow you to raise the mattress higher as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to assemble, taking about an hour or less from start to the end. They also come with a thorough instruction manual and all the necessary tools, so you don't have to buy them separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.