Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that's suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib made of sustainable wood, a convertible crib which expands with the baby to the toddler bed and daybed as well as a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of visually appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a quality crib. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing one that is old ensure that the mattress and bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid using bumper pads and positioners, as well as other objects that elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your baby's safety, look for cribs that bear the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals signify that the crib has been inspected by a third party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be not more than two and three quarter inches apart in order to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Check that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inch in height, to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on the posts.
In addition, if you're contemplating buying a used crib make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething can chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
Also, if you purchase a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to convert the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. However, they are not always simple to put together and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should have sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from collapsing or shifting over time. It should also have a strong enough bottom that can hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot pull out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
The crib is the center of any nursery, so choosing one that is in line with your decor style can be a fun task. There are many cribs, ranging from sleek modern designs to classic styles. Some cribs have slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go to the next level. Other things to consider are the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are generally made of wood, but not all cribs are created equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is heavier and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages however if your objective is to buy a crib that can last for several children, hardwood is the best choice.
A good crib is built for comfort and safety. cribs beds have sharp corners or other potential hazards which could trap the child's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial to make sure the crib is securely anchored within its space, and not placed close to any windows or other dangers that could be posed.
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 range of aspects that include the size of the crib and the type mattress you use.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, but the majority of them are in line with or exceed the requirements. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also meets or surpasses the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality and spindle load support and heavy metal and chemical content.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we examined, but if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib for your baby that can last for a long time it's a great option. It is also more substantial than other cribs we have reviewed. It will also take up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller ones we have considered. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it might not be the ideal fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made of sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Find a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a durable and long-lasting chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is made to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and a full-sized bed, to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design will blend in with any nursery decor, and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.
If they have signs that they are damaged or are not being maintained or assembled correctly It is the right time to replace them. These include decorative cutouts that can entrap a baby's head, arms or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details, such as inadequately spaced slats and drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers and other items of decoration should be avoided because they also pose dangers to a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned firm that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs, cradles and cribs. Their furniture is handcrafted in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using 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 the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available in specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also purchase these products on the internet. They offer a variety of stain and paint choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly and it is crucial to consider your budget before purchasing one. The best crib can add value to your nursery and can save money over time. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to put together and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is crucial to choose an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices sooner than you normally.
Style and cost are just two of the many aspects that determine the best crib for your child. Certain aspects, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while other such as the crib size and the mattress's height are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are small and can be tucked away in smaller spaces while others can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are made to be more flexible than other cribs. This lets parents utilize them for a longer period of time, and to develop with their child. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, a midi crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler daybed, which makes it the ideal choice for growing families. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around in, 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 have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This reduces the chance of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled in a matter of hours or less. They also come with a thorough instruction manual and the essential tools, so you don't have to purchase them separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety requirements. However certain cribs had more components than others. Be sure to carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.