Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're looking for a crib, you'll need one that is safe and meets the highest 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 budget.
Our top picks include a modern, minimal crib made with sustainable wood and a convertible crib that transforms with baby into a toddler daybed and bed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important features of a quality crib is its security. If you're buying a brand new crib or replacing one that is older make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Avoid bumper pads, positioners, and other objects that can raise your infant or create an angle sleeping surface. These objects are known 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 baby pick a crib that has the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals prove that the crib was tested by a third-party, and that it is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. In addition the mattress should be firm as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced between 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Also, make sure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inches high to stop a baby's clothing from catching on them.
If you're thinking about purchasing a used crib, make sure it's not involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also important to purchase a crib that is made of lead-free paint. This is because teething babies may chew on the rails and lead poisoning can result.
If you do choose to purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they're not always easy to assemble and may require a professional installation.
In addition to these features, a good crib should also have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to stop the crib from crashing or shifting over time. It must also have a bottom for the drawer that is sturdy enough to hold toys and clothing. The drawer must also be able to close and lock securely so that your child is unable to remove the contents. It should also be able support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decoration is a great way to have fun. There are a myriad of cribs to choose from, from sleek modern options to classic designs. The slats tend to be of various heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to grow. Other things to consider are mattress height, and crib size.
Cribs are usually made from wood, though not all are made to be the same. Some cribs are made from hardwood that has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees which shed their leaves in the winter. Others are made from softwood that is lighter and comes from evergreens. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to buy an affordable crib that will last for many children hardwood is the best option.
A good crib is designed for safety and comfort. It should not contain sharp corners or other dangers that could entrap children's fingers or their legs. It must also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also essential to make sure the crib is securely anchored in its room and is not placed close to windows or other potential dangers.
If you're looking to buy a crib, it's important to be aware of the safety guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of factors, including the size of your crib and the type mattress you use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but the majority of them meet or exceed the standards. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support, chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we looked at however if you're looking for a chic modern baby crib that will last for a long time it's an excellent choice. It is also more substantial than other cribs we've reviewed. It will also take up more space in your bedroom compared to some of the smaller cribs we have examined. best cot bed got more exposed hardware than other cribs therefore it might not be suitable for an uncluttered nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with durable and safe materials that won't damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your baby can sleep peacefully. If you choose to use foam or innerspring mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm as soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Look for a foam mattress that has the CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or any other hazardous chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is a durable and long-lasting material which is free of harmful chemicals.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a great example of a high-quality wooden crib. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or a day bed, and then to it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design blends into any decor in the nursery and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.
If they have signs that they are worn out or not being properly assembled or maintained, it is time to replace them. This includes decorative cutouts that could hold the baby's head in place or legs, chips in paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction elements that are unsafe, such as slats not evenly spaced or drop sides. Also, decorative objects like wedges, bumpers and other decorative pieces should be avoided, because they may pose health risks to infants.
Romina is a family-owned company that makes safe, beautiful and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen from Ohio produce their furniture from sustainably harvested 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 are available in many specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy these products online. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are costly and it is crucial to think about your budget prior to buying one. However, the right crib can add a lot of value to your nursery and help you save money in the long term. In addition to being durable the best crib will be simple to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is also important to purchase cribs that conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notices sooner than you would otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding the crib that is best for your child, such as the style and cost. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats versus flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while other such as the crib size and mattress' height, are more practical. There are many different types of cribs. Some are small and fit into tiny spaces and others can be converted to toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This allows parents to utilize them for a longer period of time, and to develop with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, can be converted into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be transformed into an midi toddler's crib or a full-size daybed. Its narrow width and wheels make it easy to move around, and its unique circular shape helps create an womb-like space for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are also good options. Both cribs feature sleek, minimalistic designs that compliment any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This lowers the risk of SIDS. These cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted which allows you to move the mattress up as your baby grows.
Modern cribs are easy to put together, and take about an hour or less from start to finish. The cribs come with a user's manual and the necessary tools. There is no need to purchase them separately. All cribs we tested conformed to the CPSC safety requirements. However certain cribs had more parts than others. Make sure you carefully go through the instructions prior to attempting assembly.