Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that's suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that grows with the baby into an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of visually appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a crib that is safe. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing an older one, make sure the mattress and bedding meets government safety standards. Avoid bumper pads or positioners as well as other products that raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and suffocation 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 show that the crib was inspected by a third-party, and that it has met the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be no more than two and three quarter inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting caught between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inches high to prevent a baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, be sure that it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also crucial to purchase a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is because babies who are teething may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. They're not always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
A good crib should also have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to stop the crib from shifting or collapsing in the course of time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is strong enough to support toys and clothing. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so choosing one that fits your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking designs. Some cribs feature slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go on. The mattress's height and the crib's size are other important aspects to consider.
Cribs are generally made from wood, though not all are created to be the same. Some cribs are made of hardwood, which has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Some cribs are made of softwood which is lighter, and comes from evergreens. Both have their advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that will last for a long time it is best to select the hardwood option.
A quality crib is built for comfort and safety. It shouldn't have sharp corners or any other potential hazards which could cause injury to a child's fingers or leg. It should have a large enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is securely fixed to its place, and not placed close to any windows or other possible dangers.
If you're looking to buy cribs, it's crucial to know the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a range of aspects that include the size of the crib and the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we looked at meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than many cribs we examined however it's a great choice if you want a stylish modern crib that can last multiple siblings. It is also more substantial than other cribs we have reviewed. It will also take up more space in your room compared to some of the smaller ones we have examined. 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 from sturdy and safe materials that will not cause harm or break down over time. It should also be easy to clean, so that your child can rest comfortably. If you choose to use foam or innersprings, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too as mattresses that are soft can increase SIDS risk. Find a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. Cots 4 Tots UK means the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is an extremely durable and long-lasting material that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a wood crib that is made to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to an infant bed or a day bed and then a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which could trap the baby's head or legs, chips in paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and dangerous construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers and other ornamental items should be avoided because they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned business that makes safe, beautiful and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainable harvested. They make use of mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails and they use kiln-dried wood. Their products are available in specialty stores across the US and Canada. They are also available on the internet. They offer a number of different stain and paint options, as well as a variety of hardware.
Cost
It is essential to consider your budget when purchasing a crib. But, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and save you money over the long haul. A quality crib is sturdy and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is essential to purchase a crib that adheres with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will enable you to get recall notifications much earlier than if you did not register your crib.
The style and price are just two of the many aspects that determine the best crib for your child. A few of these factors are personal preference, like whether you want to use flat panels or slats while others are more practical and essential like crib size and the mattress's height. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and fit into tiny spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs on the market are designed to be more flexible than others and allow parents to get a lot of use from them and grow with their children. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler daybed, making it ideal for families that are growing. Its small width and wheels make it easy to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
Other cribs that are worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature sleek, minimalistic designs that will complement any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small mouths and hands. This reduces the chance of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels which allows you to move the mattress higher as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to assemble, taking about an hour or less from start to completion. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the required tools, meaning you don't have to buy them separately. All cribs we tested conformed to the CPSC safety standards. However certain cribs had more components than others. Be sure to carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting the assembly.