Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks include modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood; a convertible crib that grows as a toddler into a daybed and bed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
One of the most important features of a crib that is worth buying is its safety. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that's older make sure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other items which can raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your baby's safety ensure your baby's safety, choose cribs that bear the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals signify that the crib has been tested by a third-party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced between 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Make sure the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inches in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and lead poisoning can result.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be converted to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they're not always simple to construct and may require a professional installation.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should also have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to stop the crib from collapsing or shifting with time. It should have a thick enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so choosing one that fits your decor style can be a fun task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, ranging from sleek modern options to classic-looking designs. The slats tend to be different in height and some are equipped with toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to move up. Other features to consider include the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are created equal. Some are made of hardwood, which is denser and comes from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter, while others are made of softwood which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that can last for many years, it's best to choose a hardwood option.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It shouldn't have sharp corners or any other hazards that could trap a child's fingers or leg. It should also have a large enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also essential that the crib is secured to its place and not positioned near windows or other possible dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is important to be aware of safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a range of aspects that include the dimensions of your crib as well as the type of mattress you choose.
Most of the cribs we reviewed meet or exceed these standards, but some are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is made of sustainably-sourced hardwood with 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 as well as ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more costly than the other cribs we looked at, but if you're looking for a chic modern baby crib that will last for a long time, this is an excellent option. It's also more sturdy than the other cribs we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your room compared to some of the smaller cribs we've examined. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs, therefore it might not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed using materials that are strong and safe, so they won't splinter or damage over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should be firm as well as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. Choose a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is produced without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a durable long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a crib made of wood that is built to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into an infant cot bed bed or a day bed and then a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit in with any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or have not been correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts that could trap 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 poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers and other items of decoration should be avoided because they can also pose risks to a Baby Cot Bed's health.
Romina is a family-owned firm that makes safe, beautiful and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs, cradles and cribs. Their furniture is handcrafted in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are more durable than nails or glues, and they use kiln-dried wood. Their products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase the items on the internet. They offer a number of different paint and stain options, as well as a variety of hardware.
Cost
Cribs are expensive and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to purchasing one. However, the best crib can add significant value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. In addition to being durable A good crib is easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is crucial to choose a crib that adheres with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices sooner than you would otherwise.
Many factors influence the crib that is best for your child, such as the design and price. A few of these factors are personal preferences, such as whether to choose flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and important like crib size and mattress height. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and fit into smaller spaces while others can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
The best cribs are designed to be more versatile than others. This lets parents make use of cribs for a longer period of time and also to grow with their child. 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 with growing children. Its small width allows it to be moved easily and its circular design creates a womb-like space for infants.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's hands and mouths. This lowers the risk of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, and take about an hour or less from beginning to completion. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and the essential tools, so you don't need to purchase them separately. The cribs we reviewed all met the CPSC's safety requirements, but some had more components than others, so be certain to read the instructions carefully before you attempt the assembly.