Shopping For Good Cribs
If you're in the market for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, which are outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll want to find one that is suitable for your space and budget.
Our top picks include a modern minimalist crib made from sustainable wood; a convertible crib that grows as a toddler into a daybed and bed as well as a multi-functional crib from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important features of a quality crib. If you are looking for your first crib or replacing one that is old ensure that the mattress and bedding meet the safety standards of the government. Also, avoid bumper pads and sleep positioners as well as other items that lift your infant up or create a sleeping surface that is angled. These items are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked with suffocation injuries in infants.
To ensure the safety of your baby ensure your baby's safety, choose cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals indicate that the crib has been tested by a third party and meets the highest standards of safety. Additionally, 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 an infant's head from getting stuck between them. Make sure that the corner posts do not exceed 1/16 inches in height to avoid a baby's clothing catching on them.
Additionally, if you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, check that it has not been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also crucial to buy a crib that uses 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, check that the conversion kits comply with CPSC standards. These kits let you transform the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed. However, they're not always simple to put together and may require professional installation.
A good crib should also have slats and sides that are strong enough to prevent the crib from shifting or collapsing over time. It should have a thick enough bottom that can hold toys and clothes. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able take the weight of large blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, so finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a variety of cribs that range from sleek modern designs to classic styles. The slats are usually of different heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits for when your baby is ready to grow. Other things to consider are the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are generally made from wood, but not all cribs are the same. Some are made of hardwood, which is more dense and comes from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter, while others are made of softwood which is lighter and comes from evergreen trees. Both options have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that will last for a number of children hardwood is the ideal choice.
A quality crib is built for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp edges or other dangers that could entrap the fingers of a child or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening that allows you to change the sheets easily. It is also essential to make sure the crib is securely fixed to its place and not near any windows or other dangers that could be posed.
When you are in the market for a new crib, it is crucial to be aware of safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of aspects that include the size of your crib and the type mattress you use.
Some cribs are more rigorous than others, however the majority of them are in line with or exceed the standards. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably-sourced wood with non-toxic paints. It also exceeds or meets the CPSIA requirements, CFR and ASTM for spindle support, quality of construction, chemical and heavy metal content, and ASTM requirements.
It's a bit more expensive than other cribs that we looked at, but if you're looking for a stylish modern crib for your baby that can last multiple generations, this is an excellent choice. It's also more substantial than some of the other cribs we reviewed, and it will take up more square footage in your space than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it might not be the ideal choice for a small nursery.
best infant cribs should be constructed with durable and safe materials that will not cause harm or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. If you opt for foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should also be firm, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Choose a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is made without PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It should also not contain metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a durable, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is a good example of a premium crib made of wood. It has four mattress-level heights and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into a toddler bed or a day bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design can fit in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure that your baby's environment is healthy and safe.
Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or have not been properly assembled or maintained. This includes cutouts with decorative designs that could keep the baby's head from being trapped, legs and arms, chipped 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, wedges, bumpers, and other decorative items are not recommended as they also pose dangers for a baby's health.
Romina is an eco-friendly beautiful, safe and beautiful family-owned business that produces wooden cribs, cradles, and bassinets. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues and nails, and they utilize heated wood. The products are available in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy them online. They have a variety of different stain and paint options, along with various hardware options.
Cost
It is crucial to think about your budget when buying a crib. The best crib can add value to your nursery, and you can save money over time. In addition to being durable the best crib will be easy to put together and will look beautiful in the nursery. It is also essential to purchase cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with CPSC will permit you to receive recall notifications much earlier than otherwise.
Many factors go into deciding which crib is right for your child, such as the style and cost. Certain of these aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are just personal preferences, while other such as the size of the crib and the mattress's height, are more practical. There are a variety of cribs, ranging from compact cribs that can be tucked away in smaller spaces to larger ones that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the best cribs available are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get a lot of use out of the crib and develop with their children. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, a midi crib, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler or daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its small width allows it to be moved easily and its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for infants.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are also excellent alternatives. Both cribs have sleek, minimalistic designs that will complement any decor in the nursery. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for babies with small hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs have four levels of adjustable mattress support, meaning you can raise the mattress as your child grows.
Most modern cribs are simple to put together, and take about an hour or less from beginning to the end. The cribs come with a user's manual and the necessary tools. It is not necessary to purchase cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed met the CPSC safety requirements. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Be sure to carefully read the instructions prior to beginning assembly.