9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that is safe and meets the highest standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits into your space and your budget.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib made of eco-friendly wood, a convertible crib which grows with the baby into the toddler bed and daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes in a variety of appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important characteristics of a crib that is safe. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding meet government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your infant up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These items have been linked to SIDS and 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 evaluated by a third party and has passed the strictest safety standards. Additionally the mattress should be firm, as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced between 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Check that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inch in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on the posts.
In addition, if you're considering buying a used crib, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is because infants who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be transformed into a full-size or toddler mattress. They are not always easy-to-assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these attributes, a great crib should also have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from collapsing or shifting over time. It should also have a strong enough bottom that can hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock securely so that your child is unable to remove the contents. Furthermore it should be able to hold the weight of a heavy blanket or quilt without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs, ranging from sleek contemporary designs to classic designs. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move to the next level. The crib's size and mattress height are also important features to consider.
Cribs are usually made from wood, though not all are made equally. Some cribs are constructed of hardwood that has a higher density and is derived from deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in the winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and is sourced from evergreens. Both options have their advantages, but if your goal is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for a number of children hardwood is the best rated cribs choice.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp corners or other hazards that could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also crucial to make sure the crib is properly anchored in its room and not near any windows or other potential dangers.
If you are looking for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a variety of factors such as the size of your crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, however the majority of them meet or surpass the standards. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction, chemical and heavy metal content as well as ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some of the other cribs we reviewed but it's an excellent option if you're looking for an elegant modern crib that will last through multiple siblings. It's also more sturdy than the 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 may not be the best infant cribs fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed of sturdy and safe materials that won't cause damage or break down over time. It should be easy to clean so that your baby can sleep comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innerspring the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you decide to purchase the foam mattress, search for one that has CertiPUR certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain any metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a durable long-lasting, chemical-free and long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a crib made of wood built to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into an infant bed or a day bed, and then to an adult-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, arms and legs, chipped paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details such as inadequately-spaced slats or drop sides. Also, decorative items like wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they may pose health risks to babies.
Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets cribs, cradles and cribs. Their furniture is handcrafted in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainable harvested. They use mortise and tenon joints, which are stronger than nails or glues, and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products are available in many specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase the items on the internet. They offer a variety of paint and stain choices and hardware options.
Cost
It is essential to take into consideration your budget when purchasing a crib. The best crib will enhance the value of your nursery, and you will save money over time. In addition to being sturdy, a good crib will be simple to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is also essential 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 if you did not register your crib.
Many factors influence the best crib for your child, such as style and cost. A few of these factors are personal preference, Cot sales such as whether to use flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and crucial for crib sizes and the mattress's height. There are also different types of cribs, from small options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get a lot of use from them and grow with their children. For instance the Stokke Sleepi cheap cot bed can transform into a bassinet, mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it perfect for families that are growing. Its narrow width allows it to be easily moved and its circular shape creates a womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any nursery decor. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This reduces the chance of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be erected within an hour or less. The cribs come with an instruction manual along with the tools needed. It is not necessary to purchase them separately. All cribs we examined were in compliance with CPSC safety requirements. However there were some cribs with more components than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions before attempting the assembly.