9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When shopping for a crib you should ensure 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 is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib constructed from wood that is sustainable, 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 attractive colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a quality crib is its safety. If you are purchasing the crib for the first time or replacing one that's older, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads and positioners, as well as other products that elevate your infant cot bed or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other 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 signify that the crib has been evaluated by a third party and meets the highest safety requirements. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be at least two and three-quarter inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the corner posts are no more than 1/16 inch high to stop a baby's clothing from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking about purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't 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.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they aren't always simple to put together and may require professional installation.
A good crib should also be built with sturdy sides tots and cots 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 drawer to hold clothes and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so finding one that matches your decorating style can be a rewarding task. There are a myriad of cribs to choose from, ranging with modern and sleek options to classic-looking models. The slats are usually of various heights and some include toddler conversion kits to help you when your baby is ready to grow. Other things to consider are mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are typically made of wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter, while others are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that can last for a number of children hardwood is the ideal option.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed to ensure safety and comfort. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other hazards that could trap a child's fingers or leg. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial that the crib be properly secured to its place and not positioned close to windows or other potential dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is important to be aware of the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a variety of factors such as the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we looked at have met or exceeded these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality, spindle load support, online cots and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than some cribs we reviewed but it's an excellent option if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib that can last multiple siblings. It's also a bit more substantial than the other cribs we reviewed and will take up more square footage in your bedroom than the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it may not be the best fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with durable and safe materials that won't damage or break over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you decide to purchase a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It should not contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is a 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 built to last. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or day bed, and then to it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit into any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is healthy and safe.
If they have signs that they are worn out or aren't being properly maintained or assembled it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that could trap a baby's head, arms or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details such as poorly spaced slats and drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers and other ornamental items should be avoided because they could pose a risk to a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful company that makes wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Amish craftsmen from Ohio create their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues or nails, and they employ the kiln-dried wood. The products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They can also be purchased online. They have a wide range of stain and paint choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are expensive and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to purchasing one. The right crib will enhance the value of your nursery, and you can save money over time. In addition to being sturdy the best crib will be simple to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is also essential to select a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will enable you to receive recall notifications much earlier than otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding the crib that is best for your child, including style and cost. Some of these factors are personal preference, like whether to use flat panels or slats while others are more practical and important, such as crib size and mattress height. There are also different types of cribs, from small models that can fit in 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 others. This allows parents to make use of them for a longer period of time, and to develop with their child. For instance, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, midi crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for families that are growing. Its narrow width allows it to be easily moved, while its circular shape creates a womb-like space for infants.
Other good cribs 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 small hands and mouths, reducing the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be erected within an hour or less. The cribs come with a manual for assembly along with the tools needed. It is not necessary to purchase cribs separately. All cribs we examined conformed to the CPSC safety standards. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.