9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you'll want to ensure that it complies with the high safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want one that fits in your space and your budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood; a convertible crib that can grow with baby into a toddler bed and daybed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
One of the most important features of a crib that is worth buying is its security. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing an older crib, make sure the mattress and other bedding items meet the standards set by the government. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other objects that elevate your infant or create an angle 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 indicate that the crib has been tested by a third-party and is in compliance with the highest safety requirements. Additionally the mattress must be firm, since soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the corner posts aren't more than 1/16 inches high to stop a baby's clothing from getting caught on them.
In addition, if you're contemplating purchasing a used crib, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase a crib with lead-free paint. This is because teething infants may chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
If you do choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure whether the conversion kits are compliant with CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. They're not always easy to assemble and may require professional installation.
A good crib should also be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from slipping or collapsing with time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is strong enough to support clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot remove the contents. In addition it should be able to withstand the weight of a heavy blanket or quilt without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that matches your style of decoration is a great way to have fun. There are many different cribs to choose from, from sleek modern options to classic-looking designs. The slats are usually of different heights and some are equipped with toddler conversion kits in case your cheap baby cots is ready to go up. The mattress's height and the crib's size are other important aspects to take into consideration.
Cribs are typically made of wood, though not all are made equally. Some are made of hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that can last for many years it is recommended to choose a hardwood crib.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed to provide safety and comfort. It should not have sharp edges or other hazards that could trap the fingers of a child or legs. It should also have a large enough opening that allows for easy sheet swaps. It's also important to make sure the crib is properly anchored within its space and is not placed close to any windows or other possible dangers.
If you're in the market 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 designed to assist in the prevention of SIDS and cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the type of mattress you use.
Most of the cribs we looked at meet or exceed these standards however some are more stringent than others. 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 as well as heavy and chemical content as well as ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some cribs we examined, but it's a great choice if you want a modern and stylish crib that will last multiple siblings. It is also more substantial than the other cribs we've reviewed. It also takes up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller cribs we have looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it may not be the best fit for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed from materials that are durable and safe, meaning they won't splinter or damage over time. It should be easy to clean, so that your child can sleep peacefully. Whether you choose innerspring or foam it must be in compliance with CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It must be firm too, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you opt for a foam mattress, look for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is made free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also have no metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is an extremely durable and long-lasting substance that's free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib that is built to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and Cot Beds is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed to meet the needs of your child as they develop. Its classic design will blend in with any decor in the nursery and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes decorative cutouts that can trap the baby's head, arms or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances; splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items must be avoided as they also pose dangers for a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned company that makes safe, beautiful, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs beds, cradles and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio create their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They make use of mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails, and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy these products on the internet. They offer a wide selection of stain and paint choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to think about your budget when purchasing a crib. The best crib can add value to your nursery and will save money over time. A good crib is durable and easy to put together, and looks great in the nursery. It is also important to choose cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will allow you to get recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
Style and cost are just two of the many aspects that determine the ideal crib for your child. A few of these factors are personal preferences, such as whether you want to use flat panels or slats while others are more practical and crucial, such as crib size and mattress height. There are a variety of cribs. Some are small and fit into small spaces and others can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs are made to be more flexible than others. This allows parents to use them for a longer amount of time, and to develop with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's bed, or a full-size daybed. Its small width and wheels make it easy to move around, while its unique circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
Other good cribs (see it here) include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small mouths and hands. This reduces the risk of SIDS. These cribs come with four levels of adjustable mattress support, so you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be erected in an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the required tools, meaning you don't have to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.