9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that meets the highest safety 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 contemporary, minimal crib made with sustainable wood; a convertible crib that grows with baby into a toddler bed and daybed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in many appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a crib that is worth buying is its security. If you are purchasing the crib for the first time or replacing one that is older, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other items that lift your infant or create a sleeping surface that is angled. These types of objects have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your child select a crib that bears the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals prove that the crib was inspected by a third-party, and that it is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Check that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inch in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on them.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to convert into a toddler or full-size mattress. However, they are not always simple to put together and may require a professional to install.
In addition to these features, a good crib should have solid sides and slats, which are strong enough to stop the crib from falling over or shifting with time. It should also have a strong enough bottom drawer to hold clothing and toys. The drawer should also be able to close and lock tightly so that your baby cannot remove the contents. In addition it should be able to hold the weight of a large blanket or quilt without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor can be fun. There are a variety of cribs, ranging from sleek modern designs to classic designs. Some cribs feature slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go onto the next stage. Other aspects to consider include the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are typically constructed from wood, however not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made from hardwood, which is heavier and is sourced from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both options have their advantages however if your objective is to purchase an affordable crib that will last for a number of children, hardwood is the best choice.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp edges or other hazards that could trap a little one's fingers or legs. It should have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It's also important to make sure the crib is properly anchored to its place and not close to any windows or other possible dangers.
If you're looking to buy 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 prevent SIDS and cover a range of factors, including the dimensions of your crib as well as the type mattress you use.
Most of the cribs we reviewed meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made of sustainably-sourced wood using non-toxic paints. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality, chemical and heavy metal content and ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than some of the other cribs we looked at but it's an excellent option for those looking for an elegant modern crib that will last multiple 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 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 built from materials that are durable and safe, so they won't split or break over time. It must also be easy to clean so that your child can sleep peacefully. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam, the mattress should meet CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you choose a mattress made of foam, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means the mattress is free of ozone depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain any metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another option is natural latex, which is an extremely durable and long-lasting material that's free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a top-quality wood crib. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they develop. Its classic design blends in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your Baby Crib's safe and healthy environment.
If they have signs that they are damaged or are not being properly maintained or assembled It is the right time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that could hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and other construction elements that are unsafe, such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. In addition, wedges, bumpers and other ornamental items should be avoided because they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
Romina is a family-owned firm that manufactures beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassinets as well as cribs, cradles, and cradles. Amish craftsmen in Ohio produce their furniture from sustainable solid wood. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails, and they use kiln-dried wood. The products are sold in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy them on the internet. They offer a variety of paint and stain options as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
It is essential to consider your budget when purchasing a crib. However, the best crib can add value to your nursery and save you money in the long run. In addition to being durable A good crib is easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is also important to select a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with CPSC will enable you to get recall notifications much earlier than otherwise.
There are many factors that influence the best crib for your child, including style and cost. Certain aspects, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are just personal preferences, while others, such as the size of the crib or the mattress's height, are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, from small cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that convert into toddler beds and full-size cot 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 grow with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, can be converted into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be converted into a midi toddler's bed or a full-size daybed. Its narrow width and Baby Beds wheels allow it to move around in, while its unique circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek minimalist designs that will fit in with any nursery decor. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for babies' mouths and hands, reducing the chance of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, which means you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs can be assembled in a matter of hours or less. They also come with an extensive instruction manual and the necessary tools, so you don't need to purchase them separately. The cribs we reviewed all met the CPSC's safety requirements, but some had more components than others, so be sure to read the directions carefully before attempting the assembly.