Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking 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 one that fits into your space and your budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that expands with the cheap baby cots to an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes in a variety of attractive colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a good crib is its security. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that is old make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other objects that can lift your infant or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other suffocation injuries among infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your baby, choose a crib with the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals indicate that the crib has been evaluated by a third party and is in compliance with the highest safety standards. In addition the mattress should be firm, since soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Make sure that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inch in height, to ensure that baby's clothing doesn't get caught on the posts.
If you're thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to buy a crib that has paint that is lead-free. This is because teething infants can chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to be converted to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they're not always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should also have sturdy sides and slats. These are strong enough to stop the crib from collapsing or shifting with time. It should also have a bottom for the drawer that is sturdy enough to support toys and clothing. The drawer should also be able close and lock securely so that your baby cannot pull out the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so choosing one that matches your decorating style can be a fun task. There are many cribs, from sleek contemporary designs to classic styles. The slats are often of various heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits to help you when your baby is ready to move up. Other things to consider are mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are typically made from wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made of hardwood, which is denser and comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages however if your objective is to purchase a crib that will last for several children, hardwood is the best option.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It should not contain sharp corners or other dangers that could cause injury to the child's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to change the sheets easily. It is also essential that the crib is fixed to its space and not positioned near windows or other possible dangers.
If you're in the market for a crib, you need to know the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are geared towards the prevention of SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you select.
Some cribs are more rigorous than others, however the majority of them meet or exceed the standards. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality as well as heavy and chemical content and ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than other cribs that we reviewed However, if you're searching for a modern and stylish crib for your baby that will last for many generations This crib is a great option. It's also a bit larger than the other cribs we reviewed and will make more space in your bedroom than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It's more exposed to hardware than other cribs which means it's not suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made of sturdy and safe materials that won't damage or splinter over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your baby can sleep peacefully. If you opt for innerspring or foam it must be in compliance with CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well since soft mattresses could increase SIDS risk. Look for a foam mattress that is CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It should also have no metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting substance that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a wood crib that is built to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or a day Mini Cot Bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will fit into any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic design will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
If they show signs that they are damaged or are not being properly assembled or maintained it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that could hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers and other ornamental items are not recommended as they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
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 made of solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues or nails, and they use the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available at numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy the items on the internet. They offer a number of different paint and stain options, in addition to various hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly and it is crucial to consider your budget before purchasing one. The right crib can add value to your nursery, and you can save money over time. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is essential to purchase an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will allow you to receive recall notifications much earlier than you would otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding the best crib for your child, including the design and price. Some of these factors are personal preference, like whether to use flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and essential like crib size and the mattress's height. There are a variety of cribs, from compact models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cot newborn cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This lets parents use them for a longer amount of time, and to develop with their child. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, midi crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its narrow width allows it to be moved easily, while its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for infants.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small mouths and hands, reducing the risk of SIDS. The cribs come with four adjustable levels of mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from beginning cots to tots the end. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the tools required. You don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we examined conformed to the safety standards of the CPSC, but some included more components than others, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before you attempt assembly.