Shopping For Good Cribs
When shopping for a crib you'll want to make sure that it meets the standards of safety that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that is suitable for your budget and space.
Our top picks include modern minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood; a convertible crib that transforms with baby into a toddler daybed and bed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects of a quality crib. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older crib ensure that the mattress and other bedding meets government safety standards. Avoid bumper pads or positioners as well as other items which elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related injuries in 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 show that the crib was inspected by a third-party and has met the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress should be firm, as soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three quarter inches apart to avoid the baby's head getting caught between them. Also, check that the corner posts aren't more than 1/16 inch high to stop a baby's clothing from catching on them.
In addition, if you're contemplating buying a used crib check that it has not been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also crucial to buy a new crib that is made of lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Also, if you purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to be transformed to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they are not always easy to assemble and may require a professional to install.
A good crib should also 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 should have a thick enough bottom that can hold clothes and toys. The drawer should also be able to close and lock in a secure way so that your child cannot remove the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the center of any nursery, so finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a fun task. There are a myriad of cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. The slats tend to be different in height, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to go up. Mattress height and crib size are also important features to consider.
Cribs are typically made of wood, though not all are made equally. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter, while others are made of softwood which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for many children, hardwood is the best choice.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed to ensure safety and comfort. It should have no sharp corners or other potential hazards that could catch the fingers of a child or legs. It should also have a large enough opening that allows for easy sheet changes. It is also crucial that the crib be properly secured to its place and not placed near windows or other potential dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib, it is important to be aware of the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of factors, including the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.
Most of the cribs we reviewed are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them, but some are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support as well as heavy and chemical content, and ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than many cribs we reviewed however it's a great option if you're looking for an elegant modern crib that will last multiple siblings. It's also more sturdy than the other cribs we have reviewed. It also takes up more space in your room as compared to the smaller cribs we've looked at. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed of sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. If you choose to use foam or innerspring mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too since soft mattresses could increase SIDS risk. Look for a foam mattress that is CertiPUR US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It should also have no metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a tough long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a high-quality wooden crib. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and a full-sized bed, to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design can fit in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is healthy and safe.
If they exhibit signs of being worn out or not being maintained or assembled correctly it is time to replace them. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as bumpers, wedges and other ornamental pieces should be avoided, because they can pose health risks to babies.
Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio make their furniture using sustainable wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are more durable than glues and nails, and they use the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available on the internet. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when buying a crib. The right crib will enhance the value of your nursery and will save money over time. In addition to being durable the best crib will be simple to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is also essential to choose cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will allow you to get recall notifications much earlier than if you did not register your crib.
There are many factors that influence which crib is right for your child, such as style and cost. Some of these factors are personal preferences, such as whether to choose flat panels or slats while others are more practical and essential for crib sizes and mattress height. There are Baby Cot of cribs, from small models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more adaptable than other cribs. This lets parents make use of them for a longer amount of time, and to develop with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be transformed into an midi toddler's crib or a full-size daybed. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape helps create the illusion of a womb for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are also excellent alternatives. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a matter of hours or less. The cribs come with an instruction manual along with the tools required. It is not necessary to purchase them separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety requirements. However, some cribs had more components than others. Be sure to carefully read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.