Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll want one that is safe and meets the highest standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and 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 many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a quality crib. If you are purchasing the crib for the first time or replacing one that is older, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other objects that raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other the risk of suffocation among infants.
If you want to ensure the safety of your child 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 has been evaluated by a third party and meets the highest safety requirements. In addition, the mattress should be firm, since mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Make sure the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inches in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
Additionally, if you are considering buying a used crib, check that it has not been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying a crib with lead-free paint. This is because infants who are teething may chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. However, they aren't always simple to construct and may require a professional installation.
A good crib should also have slats and sides that are strong enough to prevent the crib from shifting or collapsing with time. It should have a thick enough bottom drawer to hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your baby cannot remove the contents. In addition it must be able to support the weight of a bulky blanket or quilt without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decorating can be fun. There are many cribs, ranging from sleek modern designs to classic designs. cots offers are usually different in height and some include toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to go up. Other things to consider are the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are generally made from wood, however not all are created to be the same. Some are made from hardwood, which is more dense and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter, while others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages however if your objective is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for many children hardwood is the best choice.
A quality crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or any other dangers that could cause injury to children's fingers or their legs. It must also have a large enough opening that allows for easy sheet swaps. It is also important that the crib be properly anchored to its room and not placed close to 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 assist in preventing SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the kind of mattress you select.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, however the majority of them meet or exceed the standards. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction, chemical and heavy metal content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than a few of the other cribs we examined however it's a great choice if you want an elegant modern crib that will last many siblings. It is also more substantial than other cribs that we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller cribs we've looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it may not be the ideal choice for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or break over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. 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 must also be free of metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. cots and tots is natural latex, which is a durable and long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent model of a wooden crib built to last. It has four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into an infant bed or a day bed, and later it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit in with any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes decorative cutouts that could 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 items like wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided as they could pose health hazards to babies.
Romina is a family-owned business that manufactures beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. The furniture is made in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainable harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues and nails, and they employ kiln dried wood. Their products are available in many specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased on the internet. They provide a range of paint and stain options, in addition to various hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when buying a crib. However, the best crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and save you money over the long haul. A good crib is durable, easy to assemble, and looks great in the nursery. It is also essential to purchase cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notices sooner than you normally.
Style and cost are just two of the many factors that go into choosing the best crib for your child. 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 or mattress' height are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are small and can be tucked away in tiny spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others and allow parents to get plenty of use out of the crib and develop with their children. 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 small width and wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape helps create the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels which allows you to move the mattress higher as your baby grows.
tots and cots are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from beginning to completion. The cribs come with an instruction manual along with the tools required. There is no need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we tested conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However, some cribs had more components than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting the assembly.