Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that is safe and meets the highest standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib constructed from eco-friendly wood, a convertible crib which grows with the baby into an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of attractive colors.
Safety
One of the most important features of a quality crib is its safety. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing an older crib, make sure the mattress and other bedding meets government safety standards. Also, avoid most recommended cribs and sleep positioners as well as other objects that can lift your child up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other the risk of suffocation among infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby ensure your baby's safety, choose a crib that has the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Additionally the mattress should be firm as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced between 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the corner posts aren't more than 1/16 inch high to keep baby's clothes from catching on them.
If you're thinking about purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also crucial to purchase a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething may chew on the rails and lead poisoning can result.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. They're not always easy to assemble and may need professional installation.
A good crib must have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from slipping or collapsing in the course of time. It should also have a strong enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock securely so that your baby cannot pull out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decoration can be a lot of fun. There are a myriad of cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking models. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move on. Mattress height and crib size are also important features to consider.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in winter. Other cribs are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have their benefits However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for many years, it's best to choose a hardwood crib.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other dangers that could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also important that the crib be properly secured to its place and not placed near windows or other potential dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib, it is important to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are geared towards the prevention of SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the dimensions of the crib and the kind of mattress you select.
The majority of cribs we examined are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them however some are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib, for example, is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM specifications.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cribs we examined, but if you're looking for a stylish modern crib for your baby that can last multiple generations, this is an excellent option. It's also a little more substantial than the other cribs we reviewed and will take up more square footage in your space than the smaller cribs we examined. It's more exposed to hardware than other cribs, therefore it might not be suitable for an open-plan nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with durable and safe materials that will not cause harm or break over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. If you choose 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 should also not contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a strong, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is built to last. It comes with four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they develop. Its classic design blends into any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they show signs of wear or are not properly assembled or maintained. This includes 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 other construction details that could be dangerous such as poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers and other items of decoration are not recommended as they could pose a risk to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned firm that makes safe, beautiful and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails and they use kiln-dried wood. Their products are available at numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased on the internet. They offer a variety of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to think about your budget when buying a crib. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery, and you can save money over time. A good crib is durable and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is also important to choose cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will permit you to get recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Many factors influence which crib is right for your child, including the design and price. A few of these factors are personal preference, like whether to choose flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and essential for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are also different types of cribs, from small cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get a lot of use from them and to 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 large daybed. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around, and its unique circular shape helps create an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any nursery decor. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's hands and mouths. This lowers the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress higher as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be erected within an hour or less. The cribs come with a manual for assembly, as well as the tools needed. It is not necessary to purchase cribs separately. All cribs we tested were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Be sure to read the instructions before attempting assembly.