Nursery Dictionary: The Words and Terms You Need to Know

ASTM International Logo

1. ASTM

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes a mix of required and voluntary standards for a wide range of products including nursery furniture. All Kolcraft cribs meet the crib safety standards required, which are the ASTM F1169 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifications for Cribs and the ASTM F1821 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifications for Toddler Beds. All Contours dressers meet the required ASTM F2057 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Chests, Door Chests, & Dressers. 

 2. CPSC standards

Consumer Product Safety Commission Logo

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency for the US government that regulates the sale and manufacture of consumer products in the United States. Certification means the issuance of a written Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) in which the manufacturer certifies that its children’s product complies with all applicable children’s product safety rules, bans, standards, or regulations under any law enforced by the Commission for that product. Certification of children’s products must be based upon the passing test results of third-party testing. All Contours nursery furniture is CPSC Certified to ensure your nursery décor is both stylish and safe.

3. JPMA Certified

JPMA Certified logo
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has developed a comprehensive certification program to help guide parents and caregivers toward purchasing juvenile products that are built with safety in mind. The JPMA Certification Seal on a product tells consumers this product has been verified as conforming to the requirements established by ASTM, through independent laboratory testing and follow-up on-site inspection of the manufacturer’s production line. In nursery furniture, only cribs can be JPMA certified. All Kolcraft cribs are JPMA Certified.

4. Built-in-hardware

Bringing home your baby crib is an exciting part of preparing for your new arrival and decorating your nursery. Kolcraft makes the assembly process as easy as possible. All Kolcraft cribs have Built-in-Hardware as engineering innovation. To assemble our cribs, merely put two of the components together and tighten the built-in bolts. It’s as easy as that. The ONLY component in our hardware bags is an Allen wrench – no big bag of bolts and screws. Also, our assembly instructions are clear and easy to understand, and our cribs can usually be assembled far faster than any other crib. The best way to start the assembly process is to remove all the parts from the box. Everything matches up easily, and the bolts are self-locking. We know you will love our Built-In-Hardware system for its convenience and safety. 

5. Standard Crib

A standard layout crib is a crib that transitions into a toddler bed and daybed, but it does not transform into a full-size bed. When transitioning your crib to a toddler bed, simply remove one of the crib sides and attach the toddler rail. Then when your growing toddler is ready for a daybed, you simply remove the toddler rail. Depending on your standard crib’s design, you may also have an Outer Guard rail to help keep the bed secure for your little one while in both toddler bed and daybed positions.

6. Convertible crib

A convertible crib is a crib that transitions into a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed to ensure that your nursery furnishings last as long as possible. All Kolcraft convertible cribs transition into a full-size platform bed for a smooth and secure transition for growing toddlers. 

7. Drop-side crib

In June 2011 the CPSC banned the use of drop-side cribs due to safety concerns. A drop-side crib is when one or both sides of a crib can be lowered to provide access to a baby. When purchasing your baby’s crib, be sure to purchase a crib with fixed sides.

8. F3 Technology/QuickBlocks

Many of our Kolcraft dressers come equipped with F3 Technology for easy assembly under 10 minutes. F3 stands for Frustration Free Furniture. F3 Technology utilizes our unique QuickBlock system: the easiest, fastest, strongest tool-free furniture assembly hardware available anywhere. QuickBlocks consist of three parts: a male block, a female block and a metal clip. To assemble your Kolcraft dresser, you simply connect the two QuickBlocks together and slide the metal clip over them. No hammers, nails, or hex wrenches needed. You’ll have a charming dresser that as sturdy as if it were built in a furniture factory.

9.  Measurements

Crib dimensions are dictated by ASTM and Federal Law. The dimensions in the crib standard require cribs to have interior dimensions of 28 +/- 5/8 inches wide and 52 3/8 +/- 5/8 inches long.

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