9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Good Cribs
Shopping For Good Cribs
When you are looking for a crib, you'll want to ensure that it meets the standards of safety that are 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 rated cots picks include a contemporary minimalist crib that is made of sustainable wood; a convertible crib that can grow as a toddler into a daybed and bed and a plethora of options from Delta Children that comes in several visually appealing colorways.
Safety
One of the most important elements of a good crib is its safety. If you are buying the crib for the first time or replacing one that is old make sure the mattress and bedding meet the government safety standards. Also, avoid using bumper pads, sleep positioners and other products that raise your child up or create a slanted sleeping surface. These items have been associated with SIDS and other suffocation injuries among 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 indicate that the crib has been tested by a third-party and has passed the strictest safety requirements. Additionally the mattress must be firm, as mattresses that are soft increase the risk of SIDS. The crib slats should be at least two and three quarter inches apart in order to prevent the baby's head from getting caught between them. Also, check that the corner posts aren't more than 1/16 inches high to stop a baby's clothing from catching on them.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, be sure that it hasn't been involved in any accidents or recalls. It is also recommended to purchase cribs that have paint that is lead-free. This is because infants who are teething can chew on the rails, causing lead poisoning.
In the end, if you decide to purchase a convertible crib, make sure that the conversion kits meet CPSC standards. These kits let you convert the crib into an adult bed or a full-size bed. They're not always simple to put together and may need professional installation.
A quality crib should be built with sturdy sides and slats that are strong enough to keep the crib from slipping or collapsing over time. It must also have a drawer bottom that is strong enough to support clothes and toys. Moreover, the drawer should close and lock securely to prevent your child from taking out the contents. In addition it should be able to hold the weight of a large blanket or quilt without sagging.
Design
Finding a crib that is in line with your style of decor can be fun. There are a variety of cribs available, with modern and sleek options to classic designs. The slats are often different in height, and some come with toddler conversion kits in case your baby is ready to go up. Mattress height and crib size are also important features to consider.
Cribs are usually made of wood, but not all cribs are made of wood. Some cribs are constructed of hardwood, which has a higher density and is derived from deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in the winter. Some cribs are made of softwood that is lighter and is sourced from evergreens. Both have their advantages, but if you're looking for a crib that will last through several children, it's Best cot for newborn to choose a hardwood crib.
A quality crib is built to provide safety and comfort. It should not contain sharp corners or other hazards that could trap the child's fingers or legs. It should have a wide enough opening that allows you to change the sheets easily. It is also essential that the crib is anchored to its room and not positioned near windows or other possible dangers.
When you are in the market for a new crib it is crucial to be aware of the safety guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards are designed to assist in the prevention of SIDS, and they cover a variety of factors including the size of the crib and the kind of mattress you choose to use.
Some cribs are more stringent than others, but the majority of them meet or surpass the standards. 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 spindle support, quality of construction as well as heavy and chemical content as well as ASTM requirements.
It's more expensive than a few cribs we looked at, but it's a great choice if you want a stylish modern crib that will last multiple siblings. It's also more sturdy than other cribs we've reviewed. It also takes up more space in your room as compared to the smaller cribs we've examined. It has more exposed hardware than other cribs, therefore it might not be suitable for a minimalist nursery.
Materials
A crib should be made with durable and safe materials that won't cause damage or break down over time. It must be easy to clean so that your child can sleep in peace. Whether you choose foam or innerspring it must be in compliance with CPSC and JPMA safety standards. It should be firm as well, as soft mattresses can increase SIDS risk. Look for a foam mattress that has the CertiPUR US certification. This means that the foam is produced free of PBDEs, ozone depleters and TCEP flame retardants. It shouldn't contain metal coils, or any other harmful chemicals. Natural latex is another option. It is a tough, long-lasting and chemical-free material.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 crib is an excellent example of a premium wood crib. It comes with four mattress-level levels and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed to meet the needs of your child as they grow. Its classic design can fit into any decor for your nursery and its non-toxic design will ensure that your child's environment is safe and healthy.
Old cribs need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear or are not properly assembled or maintained. These include decorative cutouts that could trap a baby's head, arms or legs or legs; chipped paint that may expose them to harmful substances; splinters and other construction details that could be dangerous like poorly spaced slats and drop sides. Additionally, items that are decorative such as wedges, bumpers and other ornamental pieces are not recommended, as they can pose health risks for infants.
Romina is a family-owned business that produces beautiful, safe, and eco-friendly wooden bassinets, cradles, and cribs. Their furniture is handmade in Ohio by Amish craftsmen using solid wood that's sustainably harvested. They make use of mortise and tenon joints that are more durable than glues and nails, and they employ the kiln-dried wood. Their products are available at many specialty stores across the US and Canada. They can also be purchased on the internet. They have a wide range of stain and paint choices, as well as different hardware options.
Cost
It is essential to take into consideration your budget when purchasing a crib. The right crib will enhance the value of your nursery and can save money over time. In addition to being durable, a good crib will be easy to assemble and look great in the nursery. It is also essential to purchase a crib that adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. It is recommended that you register your crib with the CPSC that will permit you to receive recall notices sooner than you would otherwise.
Many factors influence which crib is right for your child, such as the style and cost. Certain aspects, like the use of slats over flat panels, are purely personal preference, while other like the crib size and the mattress's height, are more practical. There are also different types of cribs, from compact options that fit into smaller spaces to larger ones that can convert into toddler beds and full-size beds.
Some of the top rated cots cribs available are designed to be more adaptable than others, allowing parents to get plenty of use out of the crib and develop with their children. The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, can be turned into an midi crib or bassinet. It can also be transformed into a midi toddler's bed, or a large daybed. Its narrow width and wheels allow it to move around, while its unique circular shape helps create an womb-like space for babies.
Other good cribs include the Babyletto Hudson and the Union 3-in-1. Both cribs feature sleek, minimalistic designs that will complement any decor for the nursery. They are made of sustainable New Zealand pine and are safe for little hands and mouths, reducing the chance of SIDS. They also have four levels of mattress support that can be adjusted that allow you to raise the mattress higher as your baby grows.
The majority of modern cribs are easy to put together, taking around an hour or less from start to finish. The cribs come with an instruction manual and the tools required. It is not necessary to purchase them separately. The cribs we tested met the CPSC's safety requirements, but some included more components than others, so make sure to read the directions carefully before attempting the assembly.