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, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want one that fits in your space and your budget.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to a daybed and toddler bed and a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a good crib is its security. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that is older, ensure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other items that lift your infant or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby, look for cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals show that the crib was inspected by a third party and cots4tots has met the highest standards of safety. Additionally, the mattress should be firm as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Make sure the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inch in height, to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, be sure it's not involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to purchase a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is because teething babies may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you do choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They're not always simple to put together 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 stop the crib from crashing or shifting over time. It should have a sturdy enough bottom that can hold clothing and toys. The drawer should also be able close and lock in a secure way so that your child cannot take the contents. Furthermore, it must be able to support the weight of a large quilt or blanket without sliding.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so choosing one that is in line with your decor style can be a jolly task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking designs. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move onto the next stage. The mattress's height and the crib's size are other important aspects to consider.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some cribs are made from hardwood which has a greater density and is derived from deciduous trees which shed their leaves in the winter. Some cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and is sourced from evergreens. Both options have their advantages, but if your goal is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for several children hardwood is the best choice.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other dangers that could trap children's fingers or their legs. It must also have a large enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also crucial to ensure that the crib is properly anchored to its place and is not placed close to 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 avoid SIDS and cover a variety of aspects that include the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but most of them are in line with or exceed the requirements. The Evolur Newbury crib, for example, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality as well as heavy and chemical content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than the other cribs we reviewed However, if you're searching for a stylish modern crib for your baby that will last multiple generations This crib is an excellent choice. It's also a bit more substantial than the other cribs we reviewed and will take up more square footage in your room than 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 minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from materials that are durable and safe, so they won't break or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. If you opt for foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Choose a mattress that has the CertiPUR US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a tough and long-lasting chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is built to last. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or a day bed, and then to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit into any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which can hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and other construction elements that are unsafe, like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects like wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided as they could pose health hazards to babies.
Romina is a family-owned company that manufactures beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets cribs, cradles and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable solid wood. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they utilize heated wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available on the internet. They offer a wide selection of stain and paint choices, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive, so it is important to consider your budget before buying one. However, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money in the long run. Apart from being durable A good crib is easy to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is essential to purchase a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding which crib is right for your child, such as the design and price. Certain aspects, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while others such as the size of the crib or mattress' height are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, from small cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get a lot of use out of them and grow 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 that are growing. Its narrow width allows it to be easily moved and its circular design creates a womb-like space for babies.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to completion. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and all the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we examined met the CPSC's safety requirements however some included more components than others, so make sure to read the instructions carefully before beginning the assembly.