9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When looking for a crib you will want to ensure that it complies with the high safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits in your space and your budget.
Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood, a convertible crib which grows with the baby into an adult daybed, and a Delta Children crib that comes with a variety of attractive colors.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important characteristics of a good crib. If you are buying a new crib or replacing one that is old, ensure the mattress and bedding are in compliance with government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other products that raise your infant or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been linked to SIDS and suffocation injuries in infants.
If you want to ensure the safety of your child 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 evaluated by a third party and has passed the strictest safety standards. In addition, the mattress should be firm, since mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be not more than two and three-quarter inches apart in order to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Also, ensure that the posts at the corners are not more than 1/16 inches high to stop a baby's clothing from getting caught on them.
If you're thinking about buying a used crib, be sure it's not involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is due to the fact that infants who are teething may chew on the rails, which can cause lead poisoning.
Also, if you purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kit is in line with CPSC standards. These kits allow you to transform the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They're not always easy to assemble and may require a professional to install.
A good crib should also be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to prevent the crib from slipping or collapsing with time. It should also have a strong enough drawer bottom to support toys and clothes. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to stop your baby from pulling out the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy blankets or quilts without sagging.
Design
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, therefore finding one that fits your decor style can be a jolly task. There are a myriad of cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. Some cribs have slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to go onto the next stage. The crib's size and mattress height are other important aspects to take into consideration.
Cribs are generally made from wood, however not all are made equal. Some cribs are made of hardwood that has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves during the winter. Others are made from softwood that is lighter and is sourced from evergreens. Both have their advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that will last for many years it is recommended to choose a hardwood option.
A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It should not have sharp corners or any other dangers that could cause injury to a child's fingers or leg. It must also have a large enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It is also crucial cots to tots make sure the crib is properly anchored in its room, and not placed near any windows or other dangers that could be posed.
If you're in the market for a crib, it's important to know 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 type mattress you use.
Certain cribs are more strict than others, but 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 and non-toxic paints. It also meets or exceeds the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality as well as spindle load support and heavy metal and chemical content.
It's a bit more costly than other cribs that we reviewed, but if you're looking for a stylish modern baby crib that will last for a long time This crib is an excellent option. It's also larger than the other cribs we've reviewed. It will also take up more space in your bedroom in comparison to the smaller cribs we've looked at. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it may not be the ideal fit for a minimal nursery.
Materials
A crib should be constructed with durable and safe materials that won't damage or break down over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can rest comfortably. Whether you opt for foam or innerspring the mattress must be in compliance with CPSC safety standards. It must also be firm, since soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Find a mattress that has CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without ozone depleters, PBDEs, and TCEP flame retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is a different option. It is a strong, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great model of a wooden crib built to last. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted to a toddler bed or day bed and then it can be converted to a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic design will ensure your baby's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they show signs of wear or aren't correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which can trap the baby's head or arms and legs, chipped paints that may expose them to harmful substances, splinters, and unsafe construction details such as inadequately-spaced slats or drop sides. Also, decorative items like wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces should be avoided, because they may pose health risks to babies.
Romina is an eco-friendly, safe and beautiful family-owned company that makes wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. Their furniture is handcrafted in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainably harvested. They use mortise-and-tenon joints that are more durable than glues or nails, and they use kiln dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also purchase them online cots. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices as well as a variety of hardware options.
Cost
Cribs are expensive It is therefore important to consider your budget before buying one. The best crib can add value to your nursery and can save money over time. A good crib is durable and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is also essential to purchase a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended to register your crib with the CPSC and this will enable you to receive recall notices earlier than you would otherwise.
There are many factors that influence the best crib for your child, including style and cost. Some of these factors are personal preference, like whether you want to use flat panels or slats, while others are more practical and crucial for crib sizes and mattress height. There are various types of cribs, ranging from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.
Some of the top cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This lets parents utilize them for a longer amount of time and to grow with their child. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mini crib sets, a midi toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for growing families. Its slim width makes it easy to move and its circular shape creates a womb-like environment for babies.
The Babyletto Hudson crib and the Union 3-in-1 crib are good alternatives. Both have sleek minimalist designs that are perfect for any decor for the nursery. They are made from sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for small 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 a detailed instruction manual as well as the necessary tools, so you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. The cribs we reviewed all met the CPSC's safety requirements, but some had more components than others, so make sure to read the directions carefully before you attempt the assembly.