9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When shopping for a crib you will want to ensure that it meets the high safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll need to choose a crib that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from eco-friendly wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to the toddler bed and daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is among the most important features of a good crib. When you are buying your first crib or replacing an older one ensure that the mattress and other bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Also, avoid using bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your infant up or create a sleeping surface that is angled. These objects have been associated with SIDS and suffocation injuries among infants.
If you are looking to ensure the safety of your baby pick a crib that has the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals signify that the crib has been tested by a third party and is in compliance with the highest safety requirements. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three-quarter inches apart to avoid the baby's head getting caught between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inch high to prevent a baby's clothes from catching on them.
Additionally, if you are contemplating purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. You should also consider buying a crib with lead-free paint. This is because teething infants can chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
In the end, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit you to convert the crib into a full-size toddler bed or a bed. However, they are not always easy to assemble and may require professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should have solid sides and slats, which are strong enough to keep the crib from collapsing or shifting over time. It should have a thick enough drawer bottom to support clothes and toys. The drawer should also be able close and lock securely so that your child cannot take 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 focal point of any nursery, so finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a fun task. There are a myriad of cribs, from modern and sleek designs to classic designs. Some cribs feature slats of different heights, and include toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move on. Other things to consider are the mattress's height and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all are made equal. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense and comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter, while others are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both have advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that can last for a long time, it's best to choose the hardwood option.
A crib that is well-designed to be safe and comfortable. It shouldn't contain sharp corners or other potential hazards which could trap children's fingers or their legs. It should also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also important that the crib is properly anchored to its room and not placed near windows or other potential dangers.
When you are shopping for a new crib it is essential to be aware of the 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 variety of aspects that include the size of your crib and the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we examined meet or exceed these standards However, some cribs are more strict than others. The Evolur Newbury crib is, for instance, certified by GREENGUARD Gold and is made of sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, build quality chemical and heavy metal content, and cheap Cot Beds ASTM specifications.
It's more expensive than the other cribs we reviewed however if you're looking for a chic modern crib for your baby that will last multiple generations it's an excellent choice. It's also more substantial than some of the other cribs we reviewed and will take up more square footage in your space than some of the smaller cribs we looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, so it might not be the ideal fit for a smaller nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with durable and safe materials that won't cause damage or splinter over time. It should be easy to clean so that your child can sleep comfortably. No matter if you choose innerspring or foam the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Choose a mattress that has the CertiPUR US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and fire retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other dangerous chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a tough long-lasting, chemical-free and mini cot beds long-lasting material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is an excellent example of a crib made of wood built to last. It has four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and a full-sized bed, to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design can fit in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic design will ensure that your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
If they exhibit signs of being worn out or aren't being properly maintained or assembled, it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that can keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs and arms, chipped 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. Additionally, bumpers, wedges and other items of decoration should be avoided because they also pose dangers to the health of a baby.
Romina is an eco-friendly family-owned, safe and beautiful business that manufactures wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. The furniture is made in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainable harvested. They use mortise and tenon joints, which are more durable than glues or nails, and they use kiln-dried wood. Their products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy the items online. They offer a number of paint and stain options, along with an array of hardware.
Cost
It is crucial to consider your budget when purchasing a crib. A crib that is well-designed will add value to your nursery and will save money over time. Apart from being durable the best great crib is easy to put together and look stunning in the nursery. It is also important to select cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notifications earlier than you would normally.
Many factors go into deciding the crib sets that is best for your child, including the style and cost. Certain aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are solely personal preferences, while others like the crib size and mattress' height are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, ranging from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that transform into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs are made to be more flexible than others. This lets parents utilize them for a longer period of time, and to develop with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be transformed into a bassinet or midi-crib. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's Cot Bed or a full-size daybed. Its small width and wheels make it easy to move around, while its unique circular shape creates the illusion of a womb for infants.
Other good cribs (understanding) include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs have minimalist, sleek designs that compliment any decor in the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for small mouths and hands. This reduces the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four adjustable mattress support levels which allows you to move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Most modern cribs can be put together within an hour or less. The cribs come with an instruction manual, as well as the necessary tools. There is no need to purchase them separately. All cribs we examined met the CPSC safety standards. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to read the instructions before attempting assembly.