9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you'll want to 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 a crib that fits in your space and budget.
Our top picks include modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that transforms with baby into a toddler bed and daybed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important features of a good crib. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older one ensure that the mattress and other bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Avoid bumper pads, positioners, and other products that can raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related 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 indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and has met the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be no more than two and three-quarter inches apart to prevent the infant's head getting caught between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inch high to prevent a baby's clothes from catching on them.
If you're thinking about buying a used crib, be sure it's not involved in any accidents or recalls. You should also buy cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is because infants who are teething can chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
Lastly, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, check that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to convert into a full-size or toddler mattress. However, they are not always simple to construct and may require a professional to install.
A good crib must have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from slipping or collapsing with time. It must also have a drawer bottom that is thick enough to hold clothes and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock in a secure way so that your child is unable to pull out the contents. Furthermore it should be able to withstand the weight of a heavy blanket or quilt without sagging.
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, including modern, sleek models to classic designs. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go to the next level. Other things to consider are the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are typically made of wood, though not all are made equal. Some are made from hardwood, which is heavier and is derived from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Other cribs are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have their benefits, but if you're looking for a crib that can last for many years it is recommended to choose the hardwood option.
A crib sets that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp corners or any other dangers that could cause injury to children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is securely anchored within its space, and not placed close to windows or other dangers that could be posed.
If you're in the market for cribs, it's crucial 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 preventing SIDS and cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
Most of the cribs we examined meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib, for example, is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and 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, chemical and heavy metal content and ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than some of the other cribs we examined, but it's a great option if you're looking for an elegant modern crib that will last many siblings. It's also more substantial than the other cribs we reviewed and will take up more square footage in your room than the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be the ideal fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with durable and safe materials that won't cause damage or break over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. Whether you choose foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Look for a foam mattress that has the CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is made free of PBDEs, ozone depleters, and TCEP flame retardants. It should not contain any metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is known as a durable cots and tots long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a top-quality wooden crib. It features four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, day bed and a full-sized bed, to meet the needs of your child as they develop. Its classic design can fit in with any decor for your nursery, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or are not correctly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that could trap the baby's head, arms or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and construction elements that are unsafe such as poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Additionally, bumpers, wedges and other items of decoration should be avoided because they can also pose risks to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned business that manufactures beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. The furniture is made in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are more durable than glues and nails, and they utilize kiln dried wood. The products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They can also be purchased online. They offer a wide selection of stain and paint choices and hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to purchasing one. A crib that is well-designed will enhance the value of your nursery and can save money over time. A quality crib is sturdy and easy to set up and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is also important to purchase cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC, which will allow you to receive recall notices earlier than you would normally.
Many factors go into deciding the best crib for your child, including the style and cost. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats or flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while other such as the size of the crib or mattress' height are more practical. There are a variety of cribs, from compact cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that can convert into toddler beds and full-size cheap cot beds.
Some of the top cribs available are designed to be more adaptable than others, allowing parents to get plenty of use from the crib and develop with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be converted into a midi toddler's bed, or a daybed that is full-sized. Its narrow width and wheels make it simple to move around, while its unique circular shape creates the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature modern, minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor in the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's hands and mouths. This lowers the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to assemble, taking about an hour or less from beginning to the end. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we reviewed all conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC However, some cribs included more components than others, so make certain to read the instructions carefully before beginning assembly.