Admit it, you have repeatedly wondered as a first-time parent!
How can you protect your little bundle of joy with the best?
There are so many decisions to make when it comes to creating a safe and comfortable space for your little one especially when it comes to picking out the perfect crib! Many parents consider metal cribs as a durable option. While metal is strong and sturdy, it’s important to ensure that the crib is safe for your baby.
In this blog, I will discuss the pros and cons of metal cribs or an iron crib, and what you should look for when shopping for one.
Key Takeaways
- Many experts recommend that parents use an iron or metal crib to best protect their babies.
- When shopping for metal baby cribs, the first thing to consider is quality. Look for a crib made from strong, thick metal and have a non-toxic powder coating. More importantly, you should also pay attention to the paint used on the metal crib.
- Metal cribs should display certifications from either the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Metal cribs have low maintenance, they are more affordable and long lasting.
- Just keep in mind metal cribs are prone to rust, and they can be a good conductor of heat, so parents must monitor their kids at all times.
So, Are Metal Cribs Safe?
At first, I was a bit skeptical because I thought that metal cribs might not be as safe as wooden cribs. However, after talking to a few medical professionals, and doing some research, I learned that a metal or an iron crib is just as safe as a wooden crib as long as they meet the strict requirements of the CPSC.
Things to Consider When Looking For Metal Cribs
Here is what you need to consider while looking for the perfect iron cribs or metal baby cribs!
- Quality Always Matters
When shopping for metal baby cribs, the first thing to consider is quality. Look for a crib made from strong, thick metal and have a non-toxic powder coating. Moreover, check for sharp edges—you don’t want any sharp edges in your nursery room that could cause your baby harm. Additionally, ensure that the crib parts are strongly connected and that there are no weak spots or fasteners that could break or come loose and are against safety standards.
- Non-Toxic Paint Ensures Safety Standards
In addition to checking for quality, you should also pay attention to the paint used on the metal crib. Metal cribs can become hot in the summer or cool in the winter, so you’ll want to make sure the crib is painted with non-toxic paint that won’t cause any harm to your baby and that it goes with the nursery theme.
Additionally, it’s important to check if the paint quality is according to the consumer product safety commission.
- Slats Distance: An Important Thing to Keep in Mind
It’s also important to check that the crib mattress and bedding provided by the iron crib fit snugly, without any gaps, and ensure all the safety standards. This way, your baby won’t accidentally get stuck between the metal bars.
Also, make sure the metal slats on the side of the baby cribs are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, so they fit the size of your baby’s head and body.
- Certifications Guarantee Safety Standards
You should also keep an eye out for distinguishing certifications. Metal cribs should display certifications from either the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Not to mention, these safety certifications indicate that the product has been rigorously tested for safety, formaldehyde emissions, and flammability.
Benefits of Metal Cribs
I remember the days when I was shopping for a crib for my first baby. I wanted something affordable yet sturdy and long-lasting. I remember the disappointment of seeing that the wooden cribs I wanted were much more expensive than the metal ones. But I had heard amazing things about metal cribs so I decided to give it a try.
- Affordability
Metal cribs have tangible, long-term benefits that wooden cribs don't have. For starters, they are much more affordable. That meant I was able to get the same quality baby crib for a fraction of the price. And, in my opinion, there was no sacrifice in terms of how strong and long-lasting the metal crib was.
- Low- Maintenance & Easy Care
Another thing I noticed about cribs made of metal or cast iron is how easy they were to clean and maintain. There was no need to repaint or refinish unlike wood and other antique cribs. And whatever my baby did to them (excluding scratching and chewing) was easily wiped away with a damp cloth and some warm water.
No sanding and polishing, no worries of splinters or deterioration caused by wet cloths – just the occasional wipe-down!
- Reliable and Cost Effective
I trust that an iron crib will last the test of time. Iron cribs never failed to disappoint me, and I know they will be reliable and durable for many years to come.
Potential Risks of Metal Cribs
When you start to shop for metal cribs, it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities, and you can forget to think about the potential risks that come with it.
- Avoid Sub-Standard Material
It’s important to remember that just because a metal crib looks well made and follows current safety standards, it doesn’t mean it’s made of quality materials. Low-quality metal can easily bend or break, resulting in potential entrapment or strangulation risks.
That’s why you always want to double-check that the metal crib you’re buying for your child is made of detailed, well-crafted, and durable materials so you can avoid these potential hazards.
- Metal Nursery Cribs Are Prone to Rust
Cribs manufactured with metal can be prone to rust, especially if they are not made of high-quality metal or if they are exposed to moisture. Rust can weaken the new metal crib and can make it less stable, increasing the risk of collapse.
- Metal Crib - A Conductor of Heat
Another potential risk is that metal can conduct heat, which can be dangerous for infants and make parents worry about their babies. If a metal crib is placed near a heat source, such as a radiator or heater, it can become too warm for a baby to sleep safely.
Hence, personal preference, along with the proper care is required by the parents to make it a safe haven for their child.
- Difficult to Move
Metal cribs tend to be pretty heavy, which can make them difficult to move if you need to rearrange the furniture in your child’s nursery room. This could be a major issue if you plan to repurpose the crib in future years (when your child outgrows it).
Frequently Asked Questions
Now I will answer the most frequently asked questions.
Is it safe to have a metal crib?
Yes and no. Metal cribs can be safe as long as they meet safety requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are in good condition. These standards include requirements for the strength and stability of the crib, resist chipping as well as the size of the crib slats and mattress support.
Is a wood or metal crib better?
Different materials have different benefits and risks associated with them. Both wood and metal cribs can be safe options, as long as they meet safety standards. However, there are some differences between the two materials that may make one a better choice for you.
One advantage of wood cribs is that they are generally considered to be more durable than metal cribs. Wooden cribs also tend to be more stable and less prone to bending or warping over time. They also offer a more traditional look and are often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing.
On the other hand, wooden cribs are often considered to be more lightweight and easier to move around than a metal crib.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and needs. You should also consider the crib's safety features, condition, and the manufacturer's instructions for crib assembly and use.
What are the safest types of cribs?
The safest types of cribs are those that meet safety criteria set by the CPSC and are in good condition. Here are a few key safety features to look for in a crib:
- Solid and sturdy construction.
- Adjustable mattress height.
- No drop-side cribs.
- No cutouts.
- Non toxic crib.
Are vintage metal cribs safe?
Vintage metal cribs may not be as safe as newer ones that meet current safety requirements set by the U.S. CPSC. The safety criteria for cribs have changed over time, so older cribs may not meet the same requirements as newer ones.
Conclusion
Metal cribs can be a great option for parents looking for a more affordable and durable option while looking for a new crib. However, be sure to do your research and look for a crib that is properly sealed with an ASTM International certification to ensure that it is perfectly safe for your baby. With the right knowledge, proper care and keeping safety considerations in mind, you can find the perfect metal crib that meets your needs and budget.