Shopping For Good Cribs

If you're shopping for a crib, you'll need one that meets high safety standards, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. You'll also want a crib that fits into your space and your budget.

Our top picks are a contemporary minimalist crib constructed from sustainable wood and a convertible crib that expands with the baby to the toddler bed and daybed as well as a Delta Children crib sets that comes in a variety of attractive colors.

Safety

One of the most important elements of a quality crib is its security. Whether you are shopping for your first crib or replacing one that is old ensure that the mattress and bedding items meet the standards set by the government. Also, avoid bumper pads, sleep positioners and other items that lift your child up or create an angled sleeping surface. These objects have been associated with SIDS and other suffocation injuries among infants.

If you want to ensure the safety of your baby select a crib that bears the seal of approval from either Consumer Products Safety Commission or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. These seals show that the crib has been tested by a third party and meets the highest standards of safety. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats need to be not more than two and three quarter inches apart in order to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck between them. Check that the posts on the corners do not exceed 1/16 inches in height to keep baby's clothes from getting caught on the posts.

Additionally, if you are considering purchasing a used crib, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recalls or accidents. It is also recommended to purchase a crib with lead-free paint. This is because teething babies may chew on the rails and cause lead poisoning.

In the end, if you opt to buy a convertible crib, check that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits permit the crib to be transformed to a toddler or a full-size mattress. However, they're not always easy to assemble and may require a professional installation.

In addition to these features, a good crib should have sturdy sides and slats, which are strong enough to stop the crib from crashing or shifting with time. It should have a thick enough drawer bottom to support clothing and toys. The drawer must also be able to close and lock in a secure way so that your child cannot take the contents. It should also be able to support the weight of heavy quilts or blankets without sliding.

Design

The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery, therefore finding one that is in line with your decor style can be a rewarding task. There are a myriad of cribs, ranging from sleek modern designs to classic designs. Some cribs feature slats of different heights and come with toddler conversion kits when your child is ready to move onto the next stage. The crib's size and mattress height are also important features to take into consideration.

Cribs are typically made of wood, however not all are made equal. Some cribs are made from hardwood that has a higher density and comes from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves during winter. Others are made of softwood which is lighter, and is sourced from evergreens. Both have advantages however, if you're looking for a crib that will last for a long time, it's best to choose the hardwood option.

A good crib is designed to be safe and comfortable. It should have no sharp edges or other hazards that could trap a little one's fingers or legs. It should also have a wide enough opening to allow changing of sheets easily. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is properly anchored within its space and is not placed near any windows or other dangers that could be posed.

If you're in the market for cribs, it's crucial to be aware of the safety guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend. The standards are designed to assist in preventing SIDS and cover a variety of factors including the dimensions of the crib and the type of mattress you use.

Some cribs are more rigorous than others, however the majority of them are in line with or exceed the requirements. The Evolur Newbury crib for instance, is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made from sustainable-sourced hardwood and non-toxic finishes. It also meets or surpasses the CPSIA, CFR, and ASTM requirements for build quality and spindle load support and heavy metal and chemical content.

It's more expensive than some of the other cribs we reviewed, but it's a great option if you're looking for a modern and stylish crib that will last through many siblings. It's also more sturdy than the other cribs we have reviewed. It also takes up more space in your room in comparison to the smaller cribs we've examined. 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 built from materials that are durable and safe, which means they won't splinter or damage over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep 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. If you opt for the foam mattress, search for one that has CertiPUR-US certification. This means that the foam is manufactured without ozone depleters, PBDEs and TCEP flame retardants. It must also be free of metal coils or other harmful chemicals. Another alternative is natural latex which is a durable and long-lasting material that is free of harmful chemicals.

The DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1 crib is a great example of a crib made of wood that is made to last. It comes with four mattress levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed to accommodate your child's needs as they grow. Its classic design blends into any nursery decor and its non-toxic material will ensure your baby's safety and healthy environment.

Old cribs should be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or aren't correctly assembled or maintained. This includes decorative cutouts which could hold the baby's head in place or legs and arms, chipped paints that can expose them to harmful substances, splinters and other construction elements that are unsafe, like slats that are not properly spaced or drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as wedges, bumpers and other decorative pieces should be avoided, because they may pose health risks for infants.

Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Amish craftsmen in Ohio create their furniture using sustainable solid wood. They make use of mortise-and-tenon joints which are more durable than glues and nails, and they utilize the kiln-dried wood. Their products can be found in specialty stores throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy them online. They have a wide range of paint and stain choices and hardware options.

Cost

It is essential to consider your budget when buying a crib. The right crib will add value to your nursery, and you can save money over time. A quality crib is sturdy and easy to set up and looks stunning in the nursery. It is also essential to choose cribs that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Registering your crib with CPSC will enable you to get recall notices much sooner than if you did not register your crib.

The style and price are just two of the many elements that influence the selection of the best crib for your child. Some of these factors such as the use of slats over flat panels, are just personal preferences, while other, such as the crib size and the mattress's height are more practical. There are various types of cribs, from compact models that can fit in smaller spaces to larger ones that transform into toddler beds and full-size cot beds.

Some of the top ranked cribs cribs on the market are designed to be more adaptable than others and allow parents to get a lot of use out of them and to grow with their children. For example, the Stokke Sleepi Bed can transform into a bassinet, mid-sized crib, a toddler bed, and even a full-size toddler daybed, making it perfect for families that are growing. Its small width and wheels make it easy to move around, while its unique circular shape allows for a womb-like environment for babies.

Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both have sleek, minimalist designs that complement any decor for the nursery. These cribs are made from sustainable New Zealand Pine and are safe for children's hands and mouths. This reduces the risk of SIDS. The cribs also come with four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress up as your baby grows.

Modern cribs are easy to put together, and take about an hour or less from beginning to the end. They also come with a detailed instruction manual and all the required tools, meaning you don't need to purchase the cribs separately. All cribs that we reviewed were in compliance with CPSC safety standards. However, some cribs had more parts than others. Make sure you carefully read the instructions prior to beginning the assembly.