Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you will want to ensure that it meets the strict safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You’ll need to find one that fits your space and budget.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib made of sustainable wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to the toddler bed and daybed as well as a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of visually appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a good crib. If you’re buying a brand new crib or replacing one that’s older, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other products that raise your infant up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and the risk of suffocation among 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 prove that the crib has been tested by a third party and has met the highest standards of safety. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be no more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the infant’s head getting trapped between them. Check that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inches in height to keep baby’s clothes from getting caught on the posts.
If you’re thinking about buying a used crib make sure it’s not involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also important to buy a crib that uses lead-free paint. This is because teething infants may chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
In the end, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, ensure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits permit you to transform the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. However, they are not always easy to assemble and may require a professional installation.
A good crib must have strong sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from slipping or collapsing in the course of time. It should also have a bottom for the drawer that is strong enough to support toys and clothing. Furthermore, the drawer must close and lock securely to stop your baby from pulling out the contents. In addition, it should be able to withstand the weight of a large blanket or quilt without falling.
Design
The crib is the center of any nursery, therefore finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs that range from modern and sleek designs to classic styles. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights, and include toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to go to the next level. The crib’s size and mattress height are also important features to consider.
Cribs are typically constructed from wood, however not all cribs are the same. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have advantages but if your goal is to buy an affordable crib that will last for a number of children hardwood is the best option.
A good crib is built for comfort and safety. It should have no sharp corners or other potential dangers that could entrap little ones fingers or legs. It should have a wide enough opening that allows you to change the sheets easily. It is also essential that the crib be properly secured to its place and not positioned near windows or other possible dangers.
If you’re shopping for a crib, it’s important to be aware of the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a range of factors that include the size of the crib and the type of mattress you choose.
The majority of cribs we reviewed have met or exceeded these standards however some are more stringent than others. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainably-sourced hardwood with non-toxic finishes. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality and spindle load support and heavy metal and chemical content.
It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs that we examined however if you’re looking for a modern and stylish baby crib that will last multiple generations, this is an excellent choice. It’s also a bit more substantial than some of the cribs we examined and will have more space in your space than some of the smaller cribs we looked at. It’s got more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it may not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made of sturdy and safe materials that won’t damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean, so that your child can rest comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. If you opt for a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It shouldn’t contain metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is known as an extremely durable and long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a crib made of wood that is made to last. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed or day bed and then an adult-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design blends into any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby’s safety and healthy environment.
Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or have not been properly maintained or assembled. This includes decorative cutouts which could keep the baby’s head from being trapped, legs and arms, chipped paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative like wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor are not recommended, as they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets cribs, cradles and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio make their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails and they make use of kiln dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They are also available online. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
It is important to think about your budget when purchasing a crib. But, the right crib can add significant value to your nursery and help you save money in the long run. In addition to being durable, a good crib will be easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is also essential to select cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notifications earlier than you would normally.
There are many factors that influence the crib that is best for your child, including the design and price. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are solely personal preference, while other like the size of the crib and the mattress’s height are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are compact and can be tucked away in small spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
The best cribs are designed to be more adaptable than other cribs. This allows parents to use them for a longer period of time, and to develop with their child. For instance the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its narrow width and wheels make it easy to move around, while its unique circular shape helps create an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children’s hands and mouths. 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 are easy to assemble, taking about an hour or less from beginning to the end. The cribs come with a manual for assembly and the tools needed. There is no need to purchase cribs separately. All cribs we tested met the CPSC safety requirements. However there were some cribs with more parts than others. Be sure to go through the instructions prior to attempting the assembly.
