9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking 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 also want one that fits into your space and budget.
Our top picks include a contemporary minimalist crib made from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that transforms with the baby, becoming a toddler daybed and bed; and a versatile option from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects of a quality crib. When you are buying your first crib or replacing one that is old ensure that the mattress and other bedding meets government safety standards. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other items which elevate your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and suffocation injuries in infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your baby pick a crib that has the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals show that the crib has been inspected by a third party and is in compliance with the highest safety standards. In addition, the mattress should be firm, since mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the corner posts aren't higher than 1/16 inch to stop a baby's clothing from catching on them.
If you are considering buying a used crib, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also important to buy a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is because infants who are teething can chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be converted to a toddler or a full-size mattress. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may need professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should also have sturdy sides and slats. These are strong enough to prevent the crib from falling over or shifting with time. It should have a sturdy enough drawer bottom to support toys and clothes. The drawer should also be able close and lock tightly so that your child is unable to take the contents. Furthermore it must be able to support the weight of a heavy quilt or blanket without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decorating is a great way to have fun. There are a myriad of cribs that range from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights and come with toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go on. The mattress's height and the crib's size are also important factors to consider.
Cribs are usually made from wood, however they are not all created to be the same. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is more dense and comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages however if your objective is to buy an affordable crib that will last for many children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A good crib is designed for safety and comfort. It should not have sharp edges or other hazards that could trap a little one's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also crucial that the crib is properly secured to its place and not placed near windows or other possible dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib, it is important to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are geared towards the prevention of SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the kind of mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we reviewed are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them however some are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib, for example, is certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is 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 build quality, spindle support as well as heavy and chemical content and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more expensive than other cribs that we examined, but if you're looking for a stylish modern baby crib that will last for a long time, this is a great option. It is also more substantial than other cribs we have looked at. It will also take up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller ones we have considered. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with materials that are durable and safe, which means they won't splinter or damage over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your child can sleep peacefully. If you choose to use foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Find a mattress that is CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a tough long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a top-quality wood crib. It has four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into an infant bed or a day bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend in with any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or have not been properly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which could hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details such as inadequately-spaced slats or drop sides. Additionally, bumpers, wedges and other items of decoration are not recommended as they could pose a risk for a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that produces wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they utilize the kiln-dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase the items online. They offer a variety of paint and stain choices, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
It is important to think about your budget when purchasing a crib. The best crib will add value to your nursery and can save money over time. A good crib is durable, easy to assemble, and looks great in the nursery. It is also important to choose cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notices sooner than you would normally.
Cost and style are only two of the many aspects that go into choosing the best crib for your child. Certain aspects such as the use of slats over flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while other such as the size of the crib and mattress' height are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, from compact cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that convert into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This allows parents to utilize cribs for a longer period of time and also to grow with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's bed or a daybed that is full-sized. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around, while its unique circular shape creates an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small cot beds hands and mouths. This lowers the risk of SIDS. They also have four adjustable levels of mattress support that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to the end. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the necessary tools. It is not necessary to purchase cribs separately. All cribs we examined conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.