Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you should make sure that it meets the high safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to find one that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks include a contemporary, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that can grow as a toddler into a daybed and bed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important aspects of a good crib. If you are buying a brand new crib or replacing one that is older, ensure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. 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 with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby, 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 was inspected by a third-party, and that it is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress should be firm, since mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be at least two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the infant's head getting trapped between them. Check that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inch in height, to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on the posts.
Additionally, if you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also important to purchase a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is because infants who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be converted into a full-size or toddler mattress. However, they aren't always easy to assemble and may require a professional installation.
A quality crib should have slats and sides that are strong enough to stop the crib from shifting or collapsing over time. It should also have a strong enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. Moreover, 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 sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decorating is a great way to have fun. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking designs. The slats tend to be of different heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to go up. The crib's size and mattress height are also important features to take into consideration.
Cribs are usually constructed from wood, however not all cribs are created equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and is derived from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages however if your objective is to purchase a crib that can last for many children hardwood is the best option.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It should not have sharp corners or other dangers that could trap a child's fingers or leg. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet changes. It is also essential that the crib is properly fixed to its space and not positioned near windows or other potential dangers.
If you're shopping for a crib, it's important to be aware of the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are geared towards preventing SIDS and take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the type of mattress you use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but most of them meet or exceed the standards. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainable hardwood that is sourced from sustainable sources and has non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more expensive than other cribs that we looked at, but if you're looking for a modern and stylish baby crib that will last for many generations This crib is an excellent option. It's also a bit more substantial than the cribs we looked at, and it will take up more square footage in your room than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It's more exposed to hardware compared to other cribs which means it's not suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be built with materials that are durable and safe, which means they won't break or splinter over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. If you choose to use innerspring or foam 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 foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means that the foam is manufactured free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting material that's free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a wood crib that is made to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design blends into any nursery decor and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.
If they have signs that they are damaged or are not 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, such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, bumpers, wedges, and other decorative items are not recommended as they could pose a risk to a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that manufactures wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Amish craftsmen in Ohio make their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they utilize the kiln-dried wood. The products are sold in many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They are also available on the internet. They provide a range of different stain and paint options, as well as a variety of hardware.
Cost
Cribs are expensive, so it is important to think about your budget prior to buying one. But, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and help you save money in the long term. In addition to being sturdy the best crib will be simple to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is important to buy a crib that adheres with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notices earlier than you normally.
Many factors influence the best crib for your child, such as style and cost. Some of these are personal preference, like 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 a variety of cribs. Some are compact and can be tucked away in smaller spaces, while others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs available are designed to be more flexible than others and allow parents to get a lot of use out of them and to grow with their children. For instance the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for growing families. Its narrow width and wheels make it easy to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other cribs worth considering include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. The cribs come with four levels of adjustable mattress support, so you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled in an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and all the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we tested conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC However, some cribs had more parts than others, so make sure to read the directions carefully before attempting the assembly.