Baby Crib Styles
Consumers searching for the right infant crib to buy are swamped with choices, but not all cribs are created equal. Compared to cradles, bassinets and Moses baskets, cribs are the safest alternative for babies. Cribs are regulated by the federal government, and many are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Presently there are no uniform guidelines listed for bassinets, Moses baskets, cradles or co-sleepers. Overall, the simplest cribs are the best and safest.
Some manufacturers produce flashy, fancy round cribs to make the nursery look like a child’s dreamland, but those are expensive. The cost for a round crib can run into the thousands, and it’s a budget-busters for ordinary families. Also, compared to traditional cribs sold in stores, round cribs are harder to find. Try walking into your local Wal Mart, Target, Babies R Us or Toys R Us and trying to compare round cribs on display on the aisle. They are marketed on the internet, which is one way to compare prices and features of round cribs, but there are no federal safety standards or JPMA certifications available.
They may look nice, but other issues with round cribs are safety, convenience and affordability. Infants can become caught in fancy scrollwork and finials, and suffer injury or death. Round cribs also do not have adjustable mattress heights like traditional cribs do, and they cannot be converted into toddler or full size beds when the infant outgrows the crib. Considering the money spent on a round crib, it’s not much of a bargain. Parents who buy a round crib will need to shell out more money to buy another bed when the baby grows into a toddler.
Cribs can be found in a variety of price ranges. Economy cribs use less-expensive materials and may have cosmetic wood defects, but there are some good economy cribs on the market. The Dream on Me Madison 2 in 1 Convertible sells for about $85 to $90, and the Dream on Me Classic Convertible sells for $99. Both are JPMA certified. In the mid price range, the Delta Canton 3-in-1 Convertible runs between $180 and $245, and is certified by the JPMA and the American Society of Testing Manufacturers (ASTM). The Emily 4-in-1 Convertible is $199 online and is JPMA certified. In the high end range, the Genevieve Fixed Gate is $799.99, and meets voluntary safety standards set forth by the U.S. Product Safety Commission, the ASTM and the Canadian Cribs and Cradles Regulations. The Larkin Fixed Gate Sleigh sells online for about $1,000, and has the same safety ratings.
When shopping for a crib, it’s safest to buy new, rather than buying or accepting a used crib. The reason is that with all the consumer recalls, an older model may not meet federal safety standards or it may need repairs. Keeping it simple and sticking with the basics is the wisest way to choose.
Cribs in various price ranges
Economy | Mid-price | High-end/Luxury |
-Dream on Me Madison 2-in-1 -Dream on Me Classic 2-in-1 -Delta Fold Away Portable -Graco Freeport 4-in-1 Fixed Side -Graco Stanton Convertible -Graco Sarah Classic 4-in-1 -DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 -LA Baby Compact Metal Folding -Orbelle Trading Jenny 3-in-1 |
-Delta Canton 3-in-1 -Emily 4-in-1 -Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 -Jenny Lind 3-in-1 -DaVinci Thompson 4-in-1 Convertible -Dream on Me Ashton 4-in-1 Convertible -Delta Children’s Products Biltmore 4-in-1 Convertible -LA Baby Full Size Metal Folding -Nursery 101-Baby’s Room Deluxe |
-Genevieve Fixed Gate -Larkin Fixed Gate Sleigh -Argington Sahara -Green Frog Art Old World -Bratt Décor Casablanca -Newport Cottages Alexis w/ Rose Garland -Newport Cottages Cape Cod w/Beadboard -Newport Cottages Hampton Star -Stokki Sleepy Crib System |
Valerie Baldowski is passionate about writing about everything from childrens safety and juvenile products to gardening tools. She is the mother of a high energy 8 year old child so she is accustomed to researching childrens products and services… See more about Valerie |
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Filed Under: Baby Cribs