10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market 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'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, and a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of attractive colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects of a quality crib. If you are purchasing a new crib or replacing one that is old make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other objects that can lift your child up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby ensure your baby's safety, choose cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals indicate that the crib was tested by a third-party, and that it is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be not more than two and three-quarter inches apart to avoid the baby's head getting trapped between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not higher than 1/16 inch to prevent a baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you are contemplating purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't 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 because infants who are teething can chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a infant cot bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may need professional installation.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should also have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from falling over or shifting over time. It should have a sturdy enough bottom drawer to hold clothes and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to stop your baby from pulling out the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so choosing one that fits your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a myriad of cribs to choose from, including modern, sleek models to classic-looking models. Some cribs feature slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to move onto the next stage. Other aspects to consider include the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are generally made from wood, though not all are made equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is more dense and is derived from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that can last through several children it is best to select a hardwood crib.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other hazards that could trap the child's fingers or legs. It should have a large enough opening to change the sheets easily. It is also essential to make sure the crib is properly anchored in its room and not close to windows or other potential dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are geared towards preventing SIDS and take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, however the majority of them meet 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 exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support, chemical and heavy metal content and ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than the other cribs we looked at, but if you're looking for a chic modern baby crib that will last multiple generations, this is a great option. It is also more substantial than other cribs we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your bedroom in comparison to the smaller cribs we've examined. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib sets should be made of sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or break down over time. It should also be easy to clean, so that your child can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. Choose a mattress that has 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 other dangerous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a top-quality wooden crib. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design can fit in with any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic design will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced if they show signs of wear or aren't correctly assembled or maintained. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs, chips in paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and dangerous construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as bumpers, wedges and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they could pose health hazards to babies.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that manufactures wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. The furniture is made in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are stronger than glues or nails, and they use kiln dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also purchase these products online. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when purchasing a crib. But, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money in the long run. A good crib is durable and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is essential to purchase a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with the CPSC will allow you to receive recall notices much sooner than if you did not register your crib.
Cost and style are only two of the many aspects that determine the ideal crib for your child. Certain aspects such as the use of slats over flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while other such as the size of the crib or the mattress's height are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and can be tucked away in tiny spaces and others can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best rated cribs cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others which allows parents to get plenty of use out of them and to grow with their children. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, which makes it the ideal choice for growing families. Its slim width makes it easy to move and its circular shape creates a womb like environment for babies.
Other good cribs - read this blog article from Atomcraft, include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek, minimalist designs that complement any nursery decor. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. These cribs come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to put together, and take about an hour or less from start to finish. The cribs come with an instruction manual, as well as the tools required. There is no need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we examined were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.