Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you will want to ensure that it meets the high safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to choose a crib that's suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib made of eco-friendly wood, a convertible crib which can be transformed with the baby into the toddler bed and daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of visually appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important features of a crib that is safe. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older one, make sure the mattress and other bedding meets government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other objects that can lift your infant 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 have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals signify that the crib has been evaluated by a third party and has passed the strictest safety standards. Mattresses with soft surfaces can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three quarter inches apart to prevent the infant's head getting trapped between them. Make sure the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inches in height to avoid a baby's clothing catching on the posts.
Additionally, if you are contemplating buying a used crib ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also crucial to buy a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is because babies who are teething can chew the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should have solid sides and slats. These are strong enough to prevent the crib from collapsing or shifting with time. It should also have a bottom for the drawer that is thick enough to hold clothes and toys. The drawer should also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot take the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the center of any nursery, so choosing one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs that range from sleek modern designs to classic designs. The slats are often different in height and some are equipped with toddler conversion kits to help you when your baby is ready to move up. The crib's size and mattress height are also important features to consider.
Cribs are generally made of wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter. Others are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. top ranked cribs have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that will last for many children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A quality crib is built to provide safety and comfort. It should not have sharp corners or other potential hazards that could trap the fingers of a child or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to change the sheets easily. It's also important to make sure the crib is properly anchored within its space, and not placed close to any windows or other potential dangers.
If you're looking to buy a crib, it's important 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, including the dimensions of your crib as well as the type mattress you use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but most of them are in line with or surpass the standards. 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 exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction, chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some cribs we examined, but it's a great option if you're looking for a stylish modern crib that will last multiple siblings. It's also larger than the other cribs we reviewed, and it will make more space in your space than the smaller cribs we looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it might not be the best fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with materials that are durable and safe, so they won't break or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep peacefully. Whether you choose innerspring or foam, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you opt for a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means the mattress is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It should also have no metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a strong 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 comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed or a day bed, and then to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend in with any decor in the nursery and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
Old cribs should be replaced if they show signs of wear or have not been properly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that can trap a 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 are not recommended as they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned business that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. Amish craftsmen in Ohio create their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they employ the kiln-dried wood. The products are sold in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased on the internet. They provide a range of paint and stain options, in addition to an array of hardware.
Cost
It is essential to think about your budget when buying a crib. 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 will be easy to put together and will look beautiful 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 permit you to get recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Many factors influence the best crib for your child, including the style and cost. Certain of these aspects such as the use of slats versus flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while others such as the size of the crib or the mattress's height, are more practical. There are a variety of cribs, from small models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the most popular cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others which allows parents to get a lot of use out of the crib and develop with their children. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, a midi crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for families with growing children. Its narrow width and wheels make it simple to move around in, while its unique circular shape helps create a womb-like environment for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are good options. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This lowers the risk of SIDS. The cribs come with four levels of adjustable mattress support, so you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be put together within an hour or less. They also come with a thorough instruction manual and all the essential tools, so you don't have to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we tested conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.