9 . What Your Parents Teach 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 set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want one that fits into your space and your budget.
Our top picks include a contemporary, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that grows as a toddler into a bed and daybed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a crib that is safe. If you are buying a new crib or replacing one that is old make sure that the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your child up or create a sleeping surface that is angled. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related 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 indicate that the crib has been evaluated by a third-party and meets the highest safety standards. In addition the mattress must be firm as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must 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 inch in height, to avoid a baby's clothing catching on them.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure that it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase a crib with lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size Mini Cot Bed. They're not always simple to put together and may need professional installation.
In addition to these attributes, a great crib should have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from crashing or shifting in the course of time. It should also have a drawer bottom that is sturdy enough to hold clothing and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot take the contents. Furthermore, it should be able to withstand the weight of a heavy quilt or blanket without sagging.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, therefore finding one that matches your decorating style can be a fun task. There are a myriad of cribs, from sleek contemporary designs to classic designs. The slats are often different in height and some are equipped with toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to go up. Other aspects to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are generally made from wood, though they are not all created to be the same. Some cribs are made from hardwood which has a greater density and is derived from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter, and is sourced from evergreens. Both have their advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that will last for many years it is best to select a hardwood option.
A good crib is built to provide safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other potential hazards which could cause injury to the child's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening that allows for easy sheet changes. It's also important to ensure that the crib is properly anchored in its room and not close to windows or other dangers that could be posed.
When you are shopping for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of the safety guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to assist in the prevention of SIDS and take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the type of mattress you use.
The majority of cribs we examined are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them, but some are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also meets or surpasses the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality as well as spindle load support and heavy and chemical content.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cribs we examined however if you're looking for a stylish modern baby crib that will last for a long time it's a great option. It's also a little more substantial than some of the other cribs we reviewed, and it will have more space in your room than some of the smaller cribs we looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it might not be the ideal choice for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with durable and safe materials that will not cause harm or break down over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. Whether you opt for innerspring or foam the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It should be firm as well as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. If you decide to purchase a mattress made of foam, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a tough and long-lasting chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a premium crib made of wood. It has four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made 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 blend in with any nursery cots decor, and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
If they show signs that they are worn out or aren't being maintained or assembled correctly it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that can entrap the baby's head, arms or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous, 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 for a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that manufactures wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Amish craftsmen in Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are stronger than glues or nails, and they employ kiln dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase these products on the internet. They have a variety of different stain and paint options, along with an array of hardware.
Cost
It is essential to think about your budget when buying a crib. However, the right crib can add significant value to your nursery and help you save money in the long term. In addition to being sturdy, a good crib will be easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is important to buy a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notifications earlier than you would normally.
Many factors go into deciding the crib that is best for your child, including the design and price. Some of these are personal preference, like whether to choose slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and important, such as crib size and the mattress's height. There are a variety of cribs. Some are compact and can fit in tiny spaces, while others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs are made to be more flexible than others. This lets parents use them for a longer amount of time, and to develop with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi crib. It can also be turned into an midi toddler's crib or a daybed that is full-sized. Its narrow width allows it to be easily moved and its circular shape creates a womb-like space cot for sale babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs have minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any decor in the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small hands and mouths. This reduces the chance of SIDS. They also have four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted, so you can move the mattress higher as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled within an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase them separately. The cribs we tested conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC however some included more components than others, so make sure to read the directions carefully before attempting assembly.