Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're shopping for a crib, you'll want one that meets high safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits into your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood; a convertible crib that transforms as a toddler into a bed and daybed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a crib that is worth buying is its security. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing an older one, make sure the mattress and other bedding meets government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your infant or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects 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 signify that the crib has been evaluated by a third-party and meets the highest safety standards. In addition, the mattress should be firm, as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the corner posts are no more than 1/16 inches high to prevent a baby's clothes from catching on them.
If you are contemplating buying a used crib ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to purchase a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, check that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits allow you to convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. However, they are not always simple to construct and may require a professional to install.
A good crib should also have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from shifting or collapsing in the course of time. It should have a sturdy enough bottom that can hold toys and clothes. The drawer should also be able to close and lock tightly so that your child cannot pull out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor can be fun. There are a myriad of cribs available, including modern, sleek models to classic designs. Some cribs have slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go on. Other features to consider include the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, though not all are created equally. Some cribs are constructed of hardwood, which has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. Some cribs are made of softwood that is lighter and comes from evergreens. Both have advantages however if your objective is to buy an affordable crib that will last for several children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It should not have sharp corners or other potential hazards that could catch little ones fingers or legs. It must also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also crucial that the crib is properly fixed to its space and not positioned close to windows or other potential dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib, it is crucial to be aware of safety standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to prevent SIDS and cover a range of factors, including the size of the crib and the type of mattress you choose.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but the majority of them are in line with or exceed the standards. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support as well as heavy and chemical content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more costly than the other cribs we examined however if you're looking for a stylish modern baby crib that will last multiple generations This crib is a great option. It's also larger than the other cribs we have looked at. It also takes up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller ones we have looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be the best fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made from sturdy and safe materials that won't cause damage or break down over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, because soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. If you decide to purchase a foam mattress, look for one with CertiPUR-US 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. Another option is natural latex, which is known as a durable and long-lasting material that is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent model of a wooden crib built to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design will fit into any nursery decor, and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
If they have signs that they are worn out or not being maintained or assembled correctly, it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts which could hold the baby's head in place or legs, chips in paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and other construction elements that are unsafe, like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items are not recommended as they also pose dangers for a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly, safe and beautiful family-owned business that produces wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. The furniture is made in Ohio by Amish craftsmen made of solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are stronger than nails or glues, and they make use of kiln dried wood. The products are available in specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased on the internet. They have a variety of paint and stain options, in addition to a variety of hardware.
Cost
Cribs are expensive, so it is important to think about your budget prior to purchasing one. But, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. Apart from being durable, a good crib will be easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is crucial to choose a crib that is compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notifications earlier than you normally.
Many factors influence the best crib for your child, such as style and cost. A few of these factors are personal preference, like whether to use slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and essential, such as crib size and the mattress's height. There are tots and cots of cribs, from compact 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 available are designed to be more flexible than others, allowing parents to get plenty of use from them and to grow 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 full-size daybed. Its small width and wheels make it easy to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates an womb-like space for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are good alternatives. Both cribs are minimalist, sleek designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, which reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs have four adjustable levels of mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be put together within an hour or less. They also come with an extensive instruction manual and the essential tools, so you don't have to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we reviewed all were compliant with the CPSC's safety guidelines however some had more components than others, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before attempting assembly.