Buying a Great Crib
A quality crib is essential for any nursery. Parents are looking for cribs that meet the strictest safety standards.
They also want one that looks stylish and is easy to put together. Other factors to consider include if it has multiple mattress height positions and is able to be converted into a daybed or toddler bed.
Aesthetics
The most desirable cribs will have a design that matches the décor of your nursery. They also have a timeless look that won't date when your baby gets older. While some may prefer a contemporary style while others might prefer something more traditional. You can pick from a variety of colors and finishes to complement the style of your nursery. Some cribs have additional features that make them stand out from the competition.
For instance, the Evolur features an all-round mesh that enhances the airflow and breathability. Parents reported that the Evolur kept their babies at the ideal temperature for their babies to sleep and nap. It has six mattress heights to suit various sleeping preferences. It can even be tilted to alleviate reflux and colic. Its minimalist design makes it a great choice for smaller nurseries. However it's more expensive compared to other options.
Another fashionable crib is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. This solid wood crib can be transformed into a toddler or daybed with the purchase separate conversion kits. It's the classic high-back design, and the furniture options include a dresser and changing table. The crib's smaller sides are ideal for parents who are smaller and don't want to reach over the rails to get their child.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed is another flexible option. It can be used as a bassinet crib or toddler bed. It has a circular shape that creates a womblike setting for your baby. It also comes with wheels and a small width, making it easy to move between rooms or from room to room. The minimalist design means you don't have to use many blankets or toys. You can also hang a canopy and mobile with the accessories.
The Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 is another great crib that is perfect for the minimalist nursery. Its simple and sleek design is clean and sleek, and it has an extra-wide mattress. It's also more expensive than other cribs and requires an additional toddler conversion kit. It also has lots of hardware that is exposed that some parents may find distracting.
Safety
When buying a crib, it is crucial to think about the level of safety that the crib is. It may seem trivial but every aspect of a crib's design must be designed with safety in mind. For instance the slats shouldn't be greater than 2-3/8 inches apart (about the size of a soda can) or the corners should not go over the top rail of the mattress support. Also, there shouldn't be decorative cutouts which could cause a baby to get their head or arms trapped. It is best to opt for new products that meet the current safety standards, but should you choose to use second-hand equipment, be sure it hasn't been recalled and adheres to all guidelines of the manufacturer.
Send in the registration cards that come with baby equipment and cribs to ensure that you are informed if a recall occurs. In case an emergency, it's a good idea for you to master CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
Additionally, when choosing a crib, you should avoid placing toys with plush or other soft objects in it with the baby. These toys could suffocate the baby and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. Similarly, the crib should not be surrounded by any bumpers or pillows, which can lead to death by suffocation.
You should also select cribs that have four or two height settings. This allows you to lower the mattress as your baby grows, and prevent them from climbing out of the crib or being injured when they fall while trying to stand up or crawl. Many parents want to set the mattress support at the top level for infants but it is recommended to begin lowering it once your child is 3-4 months of age, and continue to do this as they develop.
It is also a great idea to check the crib regularly for any cracked or loose metal hardware. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. It is essential to check them every week.
Ease of Assembling
The cribs that have bars on the front and frame-and-panel construction on all three sides are the simplest to assemble. This design permits simple woodworking and doesn't require any complex joinery or specialized hardware. This crib type can be painted or stained for those who are DIYers. When assembling a crib, it is crucial to read the instructions. Your baby's life in danger if you miss a single step. The instructions that come with most cribs are typically very specific. However, you can do a quick search on the internet to find out more about the crib you have.
Another aspect to think about when selecting a crib is the ease with which it can be moved from room to room. The majority of cribs are too large to fit through standard doorways. You'll have to disassemble them to move them from one room to another. This can be a pain and cause a lot of frustration, especially when you're trying to get your child to fall asleep.
If you're looking for a crib that can be easily moved, look for one with wheels or stand. These options will make it much easier to transport from room to room and keep the crib safe and clean. Be sure to choose the crib with a minimalistic design. This way, you can easily decorate it to match the theme of your nursery.
It's easy to put together and easily disassembled. It's also light and easy to maneuver, so you can assemble it in a matter of minutes. The best cribs come complete with all the hardware you require and there's no need to fret about additional parts. However, be sure to inspect the hardware on a regular basis as bolts and nails can become loose when used.
One of our most loved cribs is the Pottery Barn Kids Larkin. It's a design inspired by Craftsman and is made of poplar, a tough wood that can withstand dents better than cheaper pine, a softwood. It's durable enough to last through several children and is a stunning accessory to any nursery.
Cost
You can find cribs that are affordable. If you're planning to buy a crib that will last for many years and be passed through generations, look for a crib that has a solid construction and a timeless look. Avoid particle boards and look for high-quality wood. Also, avoid any rough or cutouts that could be a choking risk for your child.
A crib that will grow with your child is an excellent purchase, so you should consider buying one that is able to be converted into a toddler bed and later, an adult-sized bed. You won't need to buy a new bed for your child as they get older.
Pottery Barn Kids has a large selection of cribs starting at under 600 dollars. You can build it yourself using UPS delivery or go for Pottery Barn Kids' in-home delivery and assembly service to have it put together for you right in your bedroom. There's a crib to fit your preferences, whether you prefer a traditional style or a contemporary one or a mix of both.
Another option is to purchase a convertible crib that will fit in any mattress, so you can continue to use it as your baby grows. cots and tots have a trundle and dresser integrated, meaning you don't have to buy additional furniture for your child's bedroom. Some cribs feature the option of rocking that parents find relaxing for their babies suffering from reflux or colic.
The disadvantage of these cribs is that they are bigger than standalone cribs, so they will occupy more floor space in your home. You'll need to disassemble the cribs if you intend to move them.
You can also find cribs that are certified GREENGUARD gold, which indicates that they have been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and cleared. This certification is vital if you care about the environment as well as the health of your child.