20 Questions You Must Always Be Asking About Good Cribs Before Buying It
Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you should 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 choose a crib that's suitable for your budget and space.
Our top picks are a modern minimalist crib constructed from wood that is sustainable and a convertible crib that can be transformed with the baby into an adult daybed as well as a Delta Children crib that comes in a range of visually appealing colors.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a good crib is its security. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that's older make sure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, stay clear of bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your child up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other 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 indicate that the crib has been tested by a third-party and is in compliance with the highest safety standards. In addition the mattress must be firm, since soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be not more than two and three quarter inches apart to avoid the baby's head getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inch high to keep baby's clothes from catching on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib make sure it's not involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also essential to buy a new crib that uses lead-free paint. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and lead poisoning can result.
Also, if you purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow the crib to be transformed into a full-size or toddler mattress. They're not always easy to assemble and may need professional installation.
A quality crib should be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from slipping or collapsing in the course of time. It must also have a drawer bottom that is sturdy enough to support clothing and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to keep your child from taking out the contents. It should also be able to hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.
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 available, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. The slats are usually of different heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits to help you when your baby is ready to grow. Other features to consider include the mattress's height, as well as the crib size.
Cribs are generally constructed from wood, however not all cribs are the same. Some are made from hardwood, which is denser and is sourced from deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter. Other cribs are made of softwood which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have advantages, but if your goal is to buy a crib that can last for several children, hardwood is the best choice.
A crib that is well-designed for safety and comfort. It shouldn't have sharp corners or other hazards that could cause injury to the child's fingers or legs. It must also have a large enough opening that allows for easy sheet swaps. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is securely anchored to its place and is not placed close to windows or other dangers that could be posed.
If nursery cots in the market for a crib, you need to be aware of the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to avoid SIDS and cover a variety of aspects that include the size of the crib and the mattress you choose to use.
The majority of cribs we looked at are in compliance with these standards or even exceed them However, some cribs are more strict than others. For instance the Evolur Newbury crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic paints. It also meets or surpasses the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality, spindle load support, and heavy and chemical content.
It's more expensive than other cribs that we reviewed However, if you're searching for a chic modern crib for your baby that will last for many generations it's an excellent choice. It's also a little more substantial than the cribs we looked at and will take up more square footage in your bedroom than some of the smaller cribs we looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, which means it may not be the best fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed of sturdy and safe materials that won't cause damage or splinter over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. No matter if you choose foam or innerspring, it should meet CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. If you opt for a foam mattress, look for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs, and TCEP fire retardants. It should not contain any metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a durable and long-lasting chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a high-quality crib made of wood. It has four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, day bed or a full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design will blend into any nursery decor and its non-toxic materials will ensure your baby's safe and healthy environment.
If they exhibit signs of being worn out or aren't being properly maintained or assembled it is time to replace them. These include decorative cutouts that could trap a baby's head, arms, or legs and chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details such as poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, decorative items such as wedges, bumpers and other pieces of decor should be avoided, because they could pose health hazards to babies.
Romina is a family-owned business that manufactures beautiful, safe and eco-friendly wooden bassets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio create their furniture using sustainably harvested solid wood. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are stronger than glues or nails, and they employ kiln dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. They are also available online. They have a wide range of stain and paint choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs can be expensive It is therefore important to think about your budget prior to purchasing one. But, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. Apart from being durable A good crib will be simple to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is also important to purchase cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with the CPSC will permit you to get recall notices earlier than otherwise.
Cost and style are only two of the many factors that go into choosing the best crib for your child. Some of these are personal preference, like whether to choose slats or flat panels, while others are more practical and crucial, such as crib size and mattress height. There are also different types of cribs, 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 other cribs. This allows parents to use them for a longer period of time and to grow with their child. For example the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet mini crib, a midi toddler bed, or even a full-size toddler daybed, making it ideal for growing families. Its narrow width makes it easy to move and its circular shape creates a womb like environment for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both feature sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. The cribs are constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's mouths and hands. This lowers the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four adjustable levels of mattress support which allows you to move the mattress higher as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs can be put together in an hour or less. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and all the necessary tools, so you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we tested met the CPSC's safety requirements However, some cribs had more parts than others, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before attempting assembly.