10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you will want to make sure that it meets the high 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 wood that is sustainable, a convertible crib which grows with the baby into an adult daybed and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of attractive colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a crib that is safe. If you're buying a brand new crib or replacing one that's older make sure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your infant or create an angled sleeping surface. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation 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 signify that the crib has been tested by a third party and has passed the strictest safety standards. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be at least two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the infant's head getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch to prevent a baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
Additionally, if you are contemplating buying a used crib, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is because babies who are teething can chew the rails and lead poisoning can result.
Lastly, if purchasing a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they aren't always simple to construct and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a quality crib should also have sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from crashing or shifting with time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is strong enough to hold clothing and toys. Furthermore, the drawer must close and lock securely to stop your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor is a great way to have fun. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. Some cribs come with slats that are different heights and come with toddler conversion kits once your child is ready to move onto the next stage. Other aspects to consider include the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are generally made from wood, though not all are made equally. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense 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 advantages However, if you're searching for a crib that can last for many years it is recommended to choose the hardwood option.
A good crib is built to ensure safety and comfort. It shouldn't have sharp corners or other hazards that could entrap the child's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening for easy sheet swaps. It is also essential that the crib is properly anchored to its room and not positioned near windows or other potential dangers.
If you're shopping 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 the prevention of SIDS and cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib as well as the kind of mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we looked at meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more stringent than others. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, GREENGUARD Gold-certified and made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and 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, and ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some cribs we reviewed but it's an excellent option if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib that can last multiple siblings. It's also a little larger than the other cribs we reviewed, and it will take up more square footage in your space than some of the smaller cribs we examined. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it may not be the ideal fit for a small nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed from sturdy and safe materials that will not cause harm or splinter over time. It should be easy to clean, so that your child can rest comfortably. If you choose to use foam or innersprings mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It should be firm as well since soft mattresses could increase SIDS risk. If you decide to purchase the foam mattress, search for one with CertiPUR-US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Another option 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 a good example of a top ranked cribs-quality wooden crib. It has four mattress-level heights 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 blends in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
Old cribs should be replaced when they are showing signs of wear or aren't correctly assembled or maintained. They include cutouts with decorative designs that can entrap a baby's head, arms, or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Additionally, bumpers, wedges and other ornamental items are not recommended as they also pose dangers to a baby's health.
Romina is a family-owned company that produces beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio make their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues or nails, and they utilize kiln dried wood. Their products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also purchase them online. They offer a number of different stain and paint options, along with an array of hardware.
Cost
Cribs are expensive It is therefore important to consider your budget before buying one. However, the best rated cribs crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and save you money in the long term. A quality crib is sturdy, easy to assemble and looks beautiful in the nursery. It is also important to select cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will allow you to receive recall notices earlier than otherwise.
Many factors influence which crib is right for your child, including style and cost. Some of these are personal preferences, such as whether you want to use flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and crucial like crib size and the mattress's height. There are a variety of cribs, from compact cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that convert into toddler mini cot beds and full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others which allows parents to get a lot of use from them and to grow with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi crib. It can also be converted into a midi toddler's bed or a large daybed. Its small width and wheels make it simple to move around, and 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 cribs have sleek, minimalistic designs that are perfect for any decor in the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support that allow you to raise the mattress higher as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to assemble, taking about an hour or less from beginning to finish. They also come with an extensive instruction manual and all the essential tools, so you don't have to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we examined were compliant with the CPSC's safety guidelines However, some cribs had more components than others, so be sure to read the directions carefully before attempting the assembly.