Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll want one that meets high safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top ranked cribs picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from eco-friendly wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of visually appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a crib that is worth buying is its security. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing one that is old, make sure the mattress and other bedding items meet the standards set by the government. Avoid bumper pads or positioners as well as other items which elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation 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 inspected by a third-party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inch high to prevent a baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib make sure that it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase cribs that have 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, make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they're not always easy to assemble and may require a professional installation.
In addition to these attributes, a great crib should have sturdy sides and slats. These are strong enough to stop the crib from crashing or shifting over time. It should have a thick enough bottom drawer to hold clothes and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from ripping out the contents. Additionally, it should be able to hold the weight of a heavy blanket or quilt without sliding.
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 myriad of cribs, from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. Some cribs have slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go onto the next stage. The crib's size and mattress height are other important aspects to take into consideration.
Cribs are usually constructed from wood, however not all cribs are the same. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense and is sourced from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that can last for many years, it's best to choose a hardwood crib.
A crib that is well-designed to be safe and comfortable. It should not contain sharp corners or other potential hazards which could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should have a large enough opening cots to tots allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial that the crib be properly anchored to its room and not positioned near windows or other possible dangers.
If you're looking to buy a crib, it's important to know the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. These standards are focused on preventing SIDS and take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the kind of mattress you select.
The majority of cribs we reviewed meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM specifications for building quality as well as spindle load support and heavy metal and chemical content.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cribs we looked at, but if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib for your baby that will last multiple generations, this is an excellent choice. It's also more substantial than the cribs we examined and will make more space in your bedroom than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the best fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed of sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or break down over time. It should be easy to clean, so that your child can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring mattress, it must meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must also be firm as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you decide to purchase the foam mattress, search for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means the mattress is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a tough long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a high-quality wooden crib. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be converted into a toddler bed, day bed and a full-sized bed, to accommodate your child's needs as they develop. Its classic design will fit into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
If they have signs that they are worn out or aren't being maintained or assembled correctly it is time to replace them. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that could keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs and arms, chipped paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and other construction elements that are unsafe, like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they can pose health risks to infants.
Romina is a family-owned company that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. Amish craftsmen from Ohio produce their furniture from sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are more durable than glues and nails, and they use kiln dried wood. Their products are available at numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available online. They offer a variety of paint and stain options as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are expensive, so it is important to think about your budget prior to buying one. However, the best crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. In addition to being sturdy the best crib will be easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is also important to purchase a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notifications earlier than you would normally.
Many factors go into deciding the crib that is best for your child, such as the design and price. Certain aspects such as the use of slats versus flat panels, are just personal preference, while other such as the crib size and the mattress's height, are more practical. There are a variety of cribs. Some are compact and fit into tiny spaces, while others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs beds available are designed to be more flexible than others and allow parents to get a lot of use from the crib and develop with their children. The Stokke Sleepi cheap cot bed, for example, can be turned into a bassinet or midi crib. It can also be transformed into an midi toddler's crib or a full-size daybed. Its narrow width and wheels make it easy to move around in, while its unique circular shape helps create the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any nursery decor. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support which allows you to move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be put together in an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the essential tools, so you don't have to buy the cribs separately. The cribs we examined met the CPSC's safety requirements, but some had more parts than others, so make sure to read the directions carefully before beginning the assembly.