Look for Small but Important Differences in Cribs
At first glance it may appear infant cribs are a homogenous product, but look again. They may all be designed for the same task, but more differences than just the price tag are evident. Some cribs offer more bang for the buck. A comparison between the DaVinci and LA Baby brands is a good example. They’re both good quality cribs, but with slightly different features.
The DaVinci Kalani 4 in 1 Sleigh crib is priced at about $250 online. The DaVinci Kalani is certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and comes with a toddler bed conversion rail. Made of pine wood, it has a mattress support that adjusts to four different levels. It can be converted to a full size bed later. The crib’s dimensions are 54.5 by 34.5 by 42 inches. But despite its size, there are no casters to easily roll or move it. It is popular with consumers who say they would recommend it to a friend, although some of the consumer complaints include some parts are unlabeled, making assembly a challenge, and a finish that scratches easily. However, we found a big drawback. In June 2010 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on the DaVinci Sleigh model number 2991 for exposed hardware.
By comparison, the LA Baby Compact Folding Metal crib sells online for about $163, something families on a shoestring budget will appreciate. It may not look as glamorous as the more expensive models but it gets the job done. The LA Baby Compact has JPMA certification, and is also approved by the CPSC and the American Society for Testing and Materials. This no-frills crib model comes in basic institutional white, and has a scratch-resistant finish. There’s no need to fuss with directions on how to put it together, as it comes fully assembled and can be easily folded up and moved. Plus, it has caster wheels for easy maneuverability. It’s easily squeezed into small spaces – the dimensions are 39.25 by 24.25 by 37.5 inches. This is considered a commercial grade crib, and can be found in many hotels, motels and day care facilities.
The most important piece of information to look for is a recall history. Compared to the DaVinci crib, the LA Baby crib has no recall history listed with the CPSC. So whether you’re a business or a consumer, remember to look a little deeper than just the dollar figure when shopping for a crib.
| 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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