Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When shopping for a crib you'll want to make sure that it meets the strict safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that's suitable for your budget and space.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that grows with baby into a toddler daybed and bed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important characteristics of a quality crib. If you are purchasing the crib for the first time or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid bumper pads and positioners, as well as other objects that raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation 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 indicate that the crib was inspected by a third-party, and that it is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress should be firm, as soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be at least two and three quarter inches apart to prevent the infant's head getting caught between them. Check that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inches 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 ensure that 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, causing lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits permit you to convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They're not always easy to assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should also have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to prevent the crib from collapsing or shifting with time. It should also have a strong enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. The drawer should also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child is unable to take the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decor can be fun. There are many cribs, ranging from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. The slats are often of various heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits to help you when your Baby Crib is ready to move up. The mattress's height and the crib's size are other important aspects to take into consideration.
cribs beds are generally made of wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some cribs are constructed of hardwood that has a higher density and is derived from deciduous trees which lose their leaves during the winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter, and is sourced from evergreens. Both have advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that will last for many years it is recommended to choose the hardwood option.
A good crib is designed for safety and comfort. It should not contain sharp corners or other potential hazards which could cause injury to a child's fingers or leg. It must also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also essential that the crib is anchored to its room and not placed near windows or other possible dangers.
If you're looking to buy cribs, it's crucial to be aware of the safety guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of factors that include the size of the crib and the mattress you choose to use.
Most of the cribs we examined are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them, but some are more stringent than others. For example, the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with 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 as well as ASTM specifications.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we reviewed however 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 more substantial than some of the cribs we looked at, and it will make more space in your room than the smaller cribs we looked at. It's more exposed to hardware than other cribs, which means it's not suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be built using materials that are strong and safe, which means they won't break or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you choose a mattress made of foam, look for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It should also have no metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is an extremely durable and long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a premium crib made of wood. It comes with four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they develop. Its classic design will blend in with any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic design will ensure your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can trap the baby's head or arms and legs, chipped paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details such as inadequately-spaced slats or drop sides. Also, decorative items such as bumpers, wedges and other ornamental pieces should be avoided as they may pose health risks to babies.
Romina is a family-owned firm that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio create their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails, and they use kiln-dried wood. The products are sold in many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy these products online. They offer a wide selection of paint and stain options and hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when purchasing a crib. However, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and save you money in the long term. In addition to being sturdy A good crib will be simple to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is also important to choose 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 would normally.
Cost and style are only two of the many elements that go into choosing the best crib for your child. Certain aspects such as the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while other, such as the size of the crib and mattress' height, are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are small and can fit in tiny spaces and others can be converted to toddler cheap cot beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs available are designed to be more adaptable than others, allowing 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 mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for families with growing children. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape allows for an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs have minimalist, sleek designs that will complement any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This lowers the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, 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 beginning to completion. They also come with a thorough instruction manual as well as the essential tools, so you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However certain cribs had more components than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions prior to beginning assembly.