Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that is compatible with your space and budget.
Our top picks include a contemporary minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that grows as a toddler into a bed and daybed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a crib that is safe. If you are buying a new crib or replacing one that is older make sure that the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads, positioners, and other items which can raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your Baby Cot's safety, look for a crib that has 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 meets the highest safety requirements. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be not more than two and three quarter inches apart to avoid the baby's head getting caught between them. Make sure the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inch in height to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on the posts.
In addition, if you're considering buying a used crib, check that it has not been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also buy a crib with lead-free paint. This is because teething babies may chew on the rails and lead poisoning can result.
If you do decide to purchase a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits permit you to convert the crib into a toddler Cot Bed or full-size bed. However, they aren't always simple to put together and may require a professional installation.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should have sturdy sides and slats. These are strong enough to prevent the crib from crashing or shifting with time. It should have a sturdy enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to stop your child from ripping out the contents. Additionally, it should be able to withstand the weight of a large quilt or blanket without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that fits your style of decor can be fun. There are a myriad of cribs, ranging from modern and sleek designs to classic designs. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights, and include toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go onto the next stage. Other aspects to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are generally made of wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are made from hardwood, which is heavier and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter, while others are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their benefits However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for a long time it is recommended to choose a hardwood crib.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed 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 large enough opening for easy sheet changes. It is also essential to make sure the crib is properly anchored to its place, and not placed near any windows or other possible dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib, it is essential 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 factors such as the size of the crib and the mattress you choose to use.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, but most of them are in line with or exceed the requirements. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality, spindle load support, and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than many cribs we looked at, but it's a great choice if you want a stylish modern crib that will last through many siblings. It's also larger than the other cribs we have reviewed. It also takes up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller ones we have looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal choice for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with materials that are durable and safe, which means they won't split or break over time. It should be easy to clean, so that your child can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm since soft mattresses could increase SIDS risk. If you decide to purchase a mattress made of foam, look for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without PBDEs, ozone depleters, and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a strong long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a crib made of wood that is made 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 it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend into any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
If they exhibit signs of being damaged or are not being properly maintained or assembled, it is time to replace them. They include cutouts with decorative designs that can entrap the baby's head, arms, or legs; chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances; splinters and construction elements that are unsafe like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as bumpers, wedges and other ornamental pieces should be avoided, because they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is a family-owned firm that produces beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio make their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than nails or glues, and they make use of kiln dried wood. The products are sold in many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They can also be purchased online. They offer a variety of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is important to consider your budget when buying a crib. But, the right crib can add significant value to your nursery and save you money in the long term. In addition to being sturdy A good crib will be simple to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is important to buy a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with the CPSC will enable you to receive recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Cost and style are only two of the many aspects that determine the ideal crib for your child. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preference, while other such as the size of the crib or mattress' height are more practical. There are a variety of cribs. Some are compact and can be tucked away in smaller spaces, while others can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others which allows parents to get plenty of use out of them and to grow with their children. For instance 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 ideal for growing families. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little mouths and hands, which reduces the chance of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support that allow you to raise the mattress up as your Baby Cot grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to the end. The cribs come with a manual for assembly, as well as the tools needed. There is no need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we examined conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However there were some cribs with more components than others. Be sure to carefully read the instructions before attempting the assembly.