Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking for a crib, you'll want one that is safe and meets the highest standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that is compatible with your space and your budget.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib made of eco-friendly wood and a convertible crib that grows with the baby into an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of attractive colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a crib that is safe. If you are buying a brand new crib or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other items that lift your infant up or create an angled sleeping surface. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your baby'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 prove that the crib has been tested by a third-party and meets the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress must be firm as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be no more than two and three-quarter inches apart to avoid the baby'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.
If you're thinking about buying a used crib make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is because teething babies can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, check whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits permit you to convert the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. However, they're not always simple to construct and may require a professional installation.
A good crib should also be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to stop the crib from shifting or collapsing in the course of time. It should have a thick enough bottom that can hold toys and clothes. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your baby from pulling out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so choosing one that is in line with your decor style can be a jolly task. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, ranging from sleek modern options to classic designs. The slats are often of various heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to move up. The mattress's height and the crib's size are also important factors to take into consideration.
Cribs are typically made of wood, but they are not all created equally. Some are made of hardwood, which is heavier and is sourced from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made from softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both options have their 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 ensure safety and comfort. It should have no sharp corners or other potential hazards that could trap little ones fingers or legs. It should also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet swaps. It is also important that the crib be properly fixed to its space and not positioned near windows or other potential dangers.
If you're shopping for cribs, it's crucial to be aware of 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 variety of factors such as the size of your crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, but the majority of them are in line with or exceed the requirements. For instance, the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support chemical and heavy metal content as well as ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some of the other cribs we examined, but it's a great option if you're looking for an elegant modern crib that can last many siblings. It's also more sturdy than other cribs we've reviewed. It will also take up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller cribs we have examined. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs therefore it might not be suitable for an open-plan nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from sturdy and safe materials that will not cause harm or break down over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can sleep peacefully. Whether you opt for foam or innerspring, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you opt for the foam mattress, search for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without PBDEs, ozone depleters, and TCEP flame retardants. It should not contain any metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative 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 crib made of wood built to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and a 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 safe and healthy environment.
If they show signs that they are worn out or aren't being maintained or assembled correctly It is the right time to replace them. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and dangerous construction details such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as wedges, bumpers and other decorative pieces should be avoided, because they may pose health risks to babies.
cots 4 tots is an eco-friendly beautiful, safe and beautiful family-owned company that makes wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. Amish craftsmen in Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable solid wood. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are more durable than glues or nails, and they use the kiln-dried wood. The products are available in specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy them online. They provide a range of paint and stain options, in addition to an array of hardware.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive It is therefore important to think about your budget prior to buying one. However, the best crib can add significant value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. A quality crib is sturdy, easy to assemble and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is crucial to choose a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notifications earlier than you normally.
Style and cost are just two of the many elements that determine the right crib for your child. Some of these factors are personal preference, such as whether to choose slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and important for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and fit into small spaces, while 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 plenty of use out of them and to grow with their children. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its slim width allows it to be moved easily and its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are excellent alternatives. Both cribs feature minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any nursery decor. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, reducing the risk of SIDS. They also have four adjustable mattress support levels that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be put together within an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and all the required tools, meaning you don't have to buy them separately. All cribs we tested conformed to the CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more components than others. Be sure to go through the instructions prior to attempting the assembly.