Shopping For Good Cribs
When shopping for a crib you will want to ensure that it meets the standards of safety that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits in your space and budget.
Our top picks include a contemporary minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood A convertible crib that transforms with the baby, becoming a toddler daybed and bed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important characteristics of a crib that is safe. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing one that is old ensure that the mattress and bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid using bumper pads or positioners as well as other products that raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure your baby's safety, look for cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals show that the crib was tested by a third-party and is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Additionally the mattress must be firm as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be at least two and three quarter inches apart to prevent the baby's head from 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.
In addition, if you're contemplating buying a used crib ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also buy cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
If you are considering buying a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kit meets 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 require professional installation.
A quality crib should be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from shifting or collapsing over time. It should have a thick enough drawer bottom to support clothing and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to stop your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so choosing one that fits your decor style can be a fun task. There are many cribs that range from sleek modern designs to classic styles. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move on. The mattress's height and the crib's size are also important factors to take into consideration.
Cribs are typically constructed from wood, however not all cribs are created equal. Some are constructed from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that can last for many years it is recommended to choose the hardwood option.
A quality crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It should have no sharp edges or other dangers that could entrap the fingers of a child or legs. It should have a large enough opening that allows you to change the sheets easily. It's also important to ensure that the crib is securely anchored in its room, and not placed close to any windows or other potential dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib, it is crucial to be aware of safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to assist in preventing SIDS, and they take into account a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we reviewed meet or exceed these standards however some are more strict than others. For example the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with non-toxic paints. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality, chemical and heavy metal content as well as ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than many cribs we looked at, but it's a great choice if you want a stylish modern crib that will last through multiple siblings. It is also more substantial than the other cribs we have 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, so it may not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or break over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you choose a mattress made of foam, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is produced free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also have no metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a premium crib made of wood. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be converted into a toddler bed, day bed and a full-sized bed, to accommodate your child's needs as they develop. Its classic design will fit into any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced if they show signs of wear or are not properly maintained or assembled. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs, chips in paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as bumpers, wedges and other decorative pieces are not recommended, as they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is a family-owned company that manufactures beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio make their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails and they make use of kiln dried wood. The products are sold in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also purchase the items online. They offer a wide selection of paint and stain choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive It is therefore important to consider your budget before buying one. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery and will save money over time. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to put together, and looks great in the nursery. It is also essential to select cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notices sooner than you would normally.
Style and cost are just two of the many aspects that go into choosing the best crib for your child. Some of these factors, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are just personal preferences, while others such as the size of the crib or the mattress's height, are more practical. There are various types of cribs, from small models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that can convert into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more adaptable than others. This lets parents make use of them for a longer amount of time and to grow with their child. For instance the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, a midi crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its small width allows it to be moved easily and its circular shape creates a womb-like space for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are great alternatives. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, reducing the risk of SIDS. These cribs come with four levels of adjustable mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be erected within an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual as well as the necessary tools, so you don't have to buy the cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed met the CPSC safety standards. However there were some cribs with more components than others. Be see more to carefully read the instructions before attempting assembly.