Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that transforms with baby into a toddler daybed and bed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a crib that is safe. If you are purchasing the crib for the first time or replacing one that's older, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other items that lift your child up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related injuries in infants.
If you are looking 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 tested by a third party and meets the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress must be firm, as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the posts at the corners are not higher than 1/16 inch to prevent a baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
Additionally, if you are thinking of buying a used crib ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also buy a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is because teething infants may chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a good crib should also have sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from falling over or shifting with time. It should also have a strong enough bottom drawer to hold clothing and toys. The drawer should also be able to close and lock securely so that your baby cannot remove the contents. It should also be able support the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so choosing one that matches your decorating style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, ranging including modern, sleek models to classic designs. The slats are usually of various heights and some include toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to grow. The crib's size and mattress height are also important features to take into consideration.
Cribs are typically made of wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made from hardwood, which is more dense and comes from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter. Other cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that will last for a number of children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A crib that is well-designed to be safe and comfortable. It shouldn't have sharp corners or other hazards that could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should have a wide enough opening that allows you to change the sheets easily. It is also crucial to ensure that the crib is securely fixed to its place, and not placed near any windows or other potential dangers.
If you're looking to buy 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 variety of aspects that include the size of your crib and the mattress you choose to use.
Most of the cribs we looked at are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them, but some are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainable hardwood that is sourced from sustainable sources and has non-toxic finishes. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for quality of construction, spindle load support, and chemical and heavy metal content.
It's more expensive than other cribs that we reviewed however if you're looking for a stylish modern crib for your baby that can last for many generations, this is a great option. It is also more substantial than other cribs that we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your bedroom as compared to the smaller cribs we've considered. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs so it may not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or break down over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must also be firm since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you opt for a mattress made of foam, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should not contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is a durable and long-lasting material that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a premium wooden crib. It has four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, day bed or a full-sized bed to meet the needs of your child as they grow. Its classic design will blend into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
cots to tots should be replaced when they show signs of wear or aren't properly assembled or maintained. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can trap the baby's head or legs and arms, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction elements that are unsafe, such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they could pose health hazards to babies.
Romina is a family-owned company that makes safe, beautiful and eco-friendly wooden bassets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. Amish craftsmen in Ohio make their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails, and they use kiln-dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased online. They offer a number of different paint and stain options, as well as various hardware options.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to buying one. A crib that is well-designed will add value to your nursery and will save money over time. In addition to being durable, a good crib is easy 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. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
The style and price are just two of the many elements that influence the selection of the right crib for your child. A few of these factors are personal preferences, such as whether to choose slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and essential for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and fit into small spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are made to be more flexible than others. This lets parents use them for a longer amount of time and to grow with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be turned into a midi toddler's bed or a large daybed. Its narrow width allows it to be moved easily and its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are also good alternatives. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, which reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, so you can move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from beginning to the end. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the tools required. You don't need to purchase cribs separately. The cribs we tested conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC, but some had more parts than others, so be sure to read the directions carefully before beginning the assembly.