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 fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimalist crib made from eco-friendly wood, a convertible crib which expands with the baby to a daybed and toddler bed as well as a Delta Children crib that comes in a variety of appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important characteristics of a crib that is safe. If you are purchasing a brand new crib or replacing one that is old make sure that the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your child up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and suffocation injuries in infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your baby, choose a crib with the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals indicate that the crib was tested by a third-party and is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be not more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the infant's head getting caught between them. Also, make sure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inches high to stop a baby's clothing from catching on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib make sure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is because teething infants can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you do choose to purchase a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. They're not always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should have solid sides and slats, which are strong enough to prevent the crib from crashing or shifting with time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is thick enough to support clothing and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, therefore finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are many different cribs available, from sleek modern options to classic-looking designs. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go to the next level. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have their advantages, but if your goal is to buy an affordable crib that will last for a number of children hardwood is the best choice.
A good crib is designed to ensure safety and comfort. It should have no sharp corners or other potential dangers that could entrap little ones fingers or legs. It must also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet swaps. It is also crucial to make sure the crib is properly anchored to its place, and not placed close to any windows or other possible dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of the safety standards recommended 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 size of the crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Most of the cribs we examined have met or exceeded these standards However, some cribs are more stringent than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints.
Baby Cot Bed exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support chemical and heavy metal content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than a few of the other cribs we looked at however it's a great option if you're looking for a stylish modern crib that will last several siblings. It's also a little more substantial than the other cribs we reviewed and will make more space in your space than the smaller cribs we reviewed. 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 constructed with durable and safe materials that won't cause damage or splinter 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 should also be firm as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. If you decide to purchase a mattress made of foam, look for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is produced free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a wood crib built to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design will blend in with any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes decorative cutouts which could keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs, chips in paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and dangerous construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided as they can pose health risks to infants.
Romina is an eco-friendly, safe and beautiful family-owned company that makes wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainable harvested. They use mortise and tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails, and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy them online. They offer a variety of paint and stain options as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly, so it is important to consider your budget before purchasing one. But, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. In addition to being sturdy, a good crib will be simple to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is important to buy an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will enable you to receive recall notifications much earlier than you would otherwise.
The style and price are just two of the many aspects that go into choosing the right crib for your child. A few of these factors are personal preference, such as whether you want to use flat panels or slats while others are more practical and important for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are various types of cribs, ranging from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more adaptable than other cribs. This lets parents utilize them for a longer amount of time and also to grow with their child. For instance, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet mini crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it perfect for growing families. Its narrow width makes it easy to move and its circular shape creates a womb-like space for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are also great options. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small mouths and hands, which reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to put together, and take about an hour or less from start to finish. The cribs come with a user's manual and the necessary tools. There is no need to purchase them separately. The cribs we examined conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC However, some cribs had more components than others, so be sure to read the directions carefully before attempting assembly.