Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Good Cribs

Shopping For Good Cribs

When shopping for a crib you’ll 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 also want one that is compatible with your space and budget.

Our top picks include a contemporary minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood; a convertible crib that can grow with the baby, becoming a toddler bed and daybed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in various appealing colors.

Safety

Safety is one of the most important features of a quality crib. If you’re buying a new crib or replacing one that is old make sure that the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads or sleep positioners, as well as other products that raise your infant or create a sleeping surface that is angled. These objects are known to increase the risk of SIDS and have been linked to suffocation-related injuries in infants.

To ensure your baby’s safety Look for cribs that have the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) seal of approval. These seals show that the crib was inspected by a third-party and is in compliance with the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats must be spaced at least 2 and 3/8 inches apart to avoid the head of a baby from getting stuck between them. Also, check that the corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch to prevent a baby’s clothes from catching on them.

If you are thinking of purchasing a used crib, make sure it’s not involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase a crib that has paint that is free of lead. This is due to the fact that babies who are teething can chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.

If you are considering buying a convertible crib make sure that the conversion kit meets CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to be transformed to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they are not always easy to assemble and may require professional installation.

In addition to these attributes, a great crib should have solid sides and slats that are strong enough to stop the crib from falling over or shifting over time. It should also have a drawer bottom that is strong enough to support clothing and toys. Additionally, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from ripping out the contents. It should also be able hold the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.

Design

The crib is the focal point of any nursery, therefore finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a fun task. There are a variety of cribs, ranging from sleek modern designs to classic styles. The slats are often of different heights, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to grow. Other features to consider include mattress height, and crib size.

Cribs are usually made from wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some are made of hardwood, which is denser and is derived from deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. Others are made from softwood, which is lighter and sourced from evergreen trees. Both have their benefits, but if you’re looking for a crib that will last through several children it is best to select a hardwood crib.

A crib that is well-constructed is designed for comfort and safety. It should have no sharp corners or other potential hazards that could catch a little one’s fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow for easy sheet changes. It’s also important to make sure the crib is properly anchored in its room and not near any windows or other dangers that could be posed.

If you’re shopping 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 prevent SIDS and cover a variety of aspects, including the dimensions of your crib as well as the mattress you choose to use.

The majority of cribs we examined meet or exceed these standards, but some are more strict than others. For example 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 requirements, CFR and ASTM for build quality, spindle support as well as heavy and chemical content, and ASTM specifications.

It’s more expensive than a few of the other cribs we looked at but it’s an excellent choice if you want a modern and stylish crib that will last through several siblings. It’s also a little larger than the other cribs we reviewed, and it will take up more square footage in your bedroom than some of the smaller cribs we reviewed. It also has more exposed hardware than other cribs, meaning it might not be the ideal fit for a small nursery.

Materials

A crib should be constructed from materials that are durable and safe, which means they won’t break or splinter over time. It must also be easy to clean, so that your baby can sleep comfortably. If you choose to use foam or innerspring mattresses, the mattress must meet CPSC safety standards. It must be firm too, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Look for a foam mattress that is CertiPUR US certification. This means the foam is free of ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDEs and TCEP fire retardants. It should also have no metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is an alternative. It is a strong, long-lasting and chemical-free material.

The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a wood crib built to last. It comes with four mattress-levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be made into an infant bed or a day bed and then a full-sized bed as your child grows. Its classic design will blend in with any nursery decor and its non-toxic construction will ensure your baby’s environment is safe and healthy.

Old cribs should be replaced when they show signs of wear or aren’t properly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that can trap the baby’s head, arms or legs; chipped paint that could expose them to harmful substances, splinters and unsafe construction details like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Also, wedges, bumpers and other items of decoration must be avoided as they also pose dangers for a baby’s health.

Romina is an eco-friendly beautiful, safe and beautiful family-owned company that makes wooden cribs, cradles and bassinets. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that is sustainable harvested. They use mortise and Tenon joints, which are stronger than glues or nails and they make use of kiln dried wood. The products are sold in numerous specialty stores across the US and Canada. You can also buy them online. They have a variety of different stain and paint options, in addition to an array of hardware.

Cost

Cribs can be expensive, so it is important to consider your budget before buying one. However, the right crib can add value to your nursery and help you save money over the long haul. A sturdy crib is durable and easy to set up, and looks great in the nursery. It is important to buy an item that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Registering your crib with CPSC will permit you to receive recall notifications much earlier than otherwise.

Many factors influence the best crib for your child, including style and cost. Certain aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preferences, while others like the size of the crib and mattress’ height, are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, ranging from compact models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds.

The best cribs are designed to be more versatile than other cribs. This allows parents to utilize them for a longer period of time and also to grow with their child. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be turned into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be converted into an midi toddler’s crib or a daybed that is full-sized. Its small width allows it to be moved easily and its circular design creates a womb-like environment for infants.

Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs are modern, minimalist designs that are perfect for any nursery decor. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little mouths and hands, reducing the risk of SIDS. They also have four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted, so you can move the mattress higher as your baby grows.

The majority of modern cribs can be put together within an hour or less. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the necessary tools. It is not necessary to purchase them separately. The cribs we reviewed all met the CPSC’s safety requirements, but some had more parts than others, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before beginning the assembly.