Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you should ensure that it complies with the high safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits in your space and your budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib made of eco-friendly wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a good crib. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older crib, make sure the mattress and bedding items meet the standards set by the government. Also, avoid bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other items that lift your infant up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and other suffocation injuries among infants.
To ensure your baby's safety, look for cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals prove that the crib has been tested by a third-party, and that it 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 not more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to avoid the baby's head getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the corner posts are no more than 1/16 inch high to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to buy a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is because teething babies can chew the rails and lead poisoning can result.
Lastly, if you choose to purchase a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these attributes, a great crib should also have sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to stop the crib from collapsing or shifting in the course of time. It should also have a drawer bottom that is thick enough to hold clothes and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your baby from pulling out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decor is a great way to have fun. There are many different cribs available, including modern, sleek models to classic designs. The slats are usually different in height, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to grow. Mattress height and crib size are other important aspects to take into consideration.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are made from hardwood, which is more dense and is sourced from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages but if your goal is to purchase a crib that can last for a number of children hardwood is the best option.
A good crib is designed for safety and comfort. It should have no sharp edges or other hazards that could catch a little one's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also important that the crib is secured to its place and not positioned near windows or other potential dangers.
If you're shopping for a crib, you need to be aware of the safety guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a variety of factors such as the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.
Most of the cribs we looked at have met or exceeded these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. For example, the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality as well as heavy and chemical content and ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than many of the other cribs we reviewed, but it's a great option if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib that will last through several siblings. It's also a bit more substantial than the cribs we examined, and it will take up more square footage in your room than some of the smaller cribs we examined. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs so it may not be suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from materials that are durable and safe, so they won't splinter or damage over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. Whether Full Statement choose foam or innerspring mattress, it must meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you opt for a mattress made of foam, look for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a premium crib made of wood. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed to meet the needs of your child as they grow. Its classic design can fit into any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced when they are showing signs of wear or have not been properly maintained or assembled. They include cutouts with decorative designs that can entrap a baby's head, arms or legs; chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances; splinters and unsafe construction details, such as inadequately spaced slats and drop sides. Also, decorative items such as wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they can pose health risks to infants.
Romina is an eco-friendly beautiful, safe and beautiful family-owned company that makes wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are more durable than glues and nails, and they employ the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available in many specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy these products online. They have a wide range of paint and stain options, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to take into consideration your budget when purchasing a crib. A crib that is well-designed can add value to your nursery, and you will save money over time. In addition to being durable A good crib is easy to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is important to buy a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notifications earlier than you would otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding the crib that is best for your child, such as style and cost. Certain of these aspects such as the use of slats or flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while other such as the size of the crib and the mattress's height, are more practical. There are cot sets of cribs, ranging from compact cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that can transform into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This lets parents utilize cribs for a longer period of time and to grow with their child. For instance the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for growing families. Its narrow width and wheels make it easy to move around, while its unique circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
Other cribs that are worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature sleek, minimalistic designs that compliment any nursery decor. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. They also have four adjustable mattress support levels that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be erected within an hour or less. The cribs come with an instruction manual, as well as the necessary tools. You don't need to purchase them separately. All cribs we examined met the CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Be sure to carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.