Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you'll want to ensure that it complies with the high safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to choose a crib that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood; a convertible crib that transforms as a toddler into a bed and daybed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
Safety is among the most important aspects of a crib that is safe. If you are buying a brand new crib or replacing one that is older make sure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other items which raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and suffocation injuries in infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your baby pick a crib that has the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and has met the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three quarter inches apart to prevent the infant's head getting caught between them. Make sure the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inches in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on the posts.
If you're thinking about buying a used crib, be sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits let you transform the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should also have sturdy sides and slats. These are strong enough to stop the crib from collapsing or shifting in the course of time. It should also have a strong enough bottom drawer to hold clothing and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to stop your baby from pulling 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, therefore finding one that matches your decorating style can be a fun task. There are many different cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go to the next level. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, though they are not all created equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. Other cribs 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 will last for several children, hardwood is the best choice.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed to ensure safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other potential dangers that could entrap the fingers of a child or legs. It should have a large enough opening to change the sheets easily. It is also essential that the crib is anchored to its room and not positioned close to windows or other potential dangers.
When recommended cribs are in the market for a new crib it is important to be aware of safety guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a range of factors that include the size of your crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, however the majority of them are in line with or exceed the standards. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality, spindle load support, and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than many of the other cribs we examined, but it's a great choice if you want an elegant modern crib that will last through several siblings. It's also a bit more substantial than the cribs we examined, and it will make more space in your room than the smaller cribs we looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be built from materials that are durable and safe, meaning they won't splinter or damage over time. It should also be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep peacefully. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. Find a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is made without PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also have no metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting material that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a crib made of wood that is made to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or day bed and then an adult-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design blends into any decor in the nursery and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
Old cribs should be replaced if they show signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes decorative cutouts which can hold the baby's head in place or legs, chips in paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative like wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces are not recommended, as they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that produces wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. Amish craftsmen from Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable solid wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy the items on the internet. They provide a range of paint and stain options, as well as a variety of hardware.
Cost
It is essential to think about your budget when purchasing a crib. The right crib will enhance the value of your nursery, and you can save money over time. In addition to being sturdy, a good 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 enable you to receive recall notices earlier than otherwise.
Style and cost are just two of the many aspects that influence the selection of the best crib for your child. Certain of these aspects such as the use of slats versus flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while others 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 fit in tiny spaces, while others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs on the market are designed to be more flexible than others and allow parents to get a lot of use from the crib and develop with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's bed or a full-size daybed. Its slim width allows it to be moved easily and its circular design creates a womb-like space for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are great options. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any nursery decor. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels, so you can move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to put together, and take about an hour or less from start to finish. They also come with a thorough instruction manual and all the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase them separately. All cribs we examined were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions prior to beginning assembly.