9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking for a crib, you'll want one that meets the highest safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that grows with the baby, becoming a toddler daybed and bed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
Safety is among the most important aspects of a good crib. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing an older crib, make sure the mattress and bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other products that can raise your infant 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 ensure your baby's safety, choose cribs that bear the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and has met the highest standards of safety. In addition the mattress must be firm as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Check that the corner posts don't exceed 1/16 inches in height to avoid a baby's clothing catching on them.
If you are thinking of buying a used crib, be sure it's not involved in any accidents or recalls. You should also consider buying cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew the rails and lead poisoning can result.
In the end, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to convert 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 quality crib should have solid sides and slats. These are strong enough to keep the crib from crashing or shifting in the course of time. It should have a sturdy enough bottom drawer to hold clothes and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decorating can be fun. There are a myriad of cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic-looking models. The slats are often of various heights cots and tots some are equipped with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to move up. Mattress height and crib size are also important factors to take into consideration.
Cribs are usually made from wood, though not all are made equal. Some are made of hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter, while others are made of softwood, which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for a long time, it's best baby cots to choose a hardwood option.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other hazards that could trap the child's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It's also important to make sure the crib is securely fixed to its place and is not placed close to any windows or other potential dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib it is essential 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 cover a range of aspects including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
Some cribs are more rigorous than others, but the majority of them meet or exceed the requirements. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. 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 the other cribs we looked at however 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 more substantial than some of the other cribs we reviewed and 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 constructed of sturdy and safe materials that will not cause harm or break over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. If you choose to use innerspring or foam, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. If you opt for the foam mattress, search for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a premium wood crib. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed or a day bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit in with any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced when they are showing signs of wear or aren't correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which can keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects such as wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces should be avoided, because they could pose health hazards to infants.
Romina is a family-owned firm that manufactures beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handcrafted in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainably harvested. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they use the kiln-dried wood. The products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase these products on the internet. They offer a wide selection of paint and stain choices, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to think about your budget when buying a crib. However, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money in the long term. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to set up and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is also important to choose a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will allow you to get recall notifications much earlier than you would otherwise.
There are many factors that influence which crib is right for your child, including the design and price. A few of these factors are personal preference, such as whether 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 fit into smaller spaces and others can be converted to toddler mini cot beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs available are designed to be more adaptable than others which allows parents to get plenty of use out of the crib and develop with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be turned into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's cot bed sales, or a daybed that is full-sized. Its narrow width allows it to be easily moved and its circular design creates a womb-like space for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs are sleek, minimalistic designs that will complement any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little mouths and hands, which reduces the risk of SIDS. They also have four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled in an hour or less. The cribs come with a user's manual and the necessary tools. It is not necessary to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs we examined were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to carefully read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.