The family is the basic unit of the Amish social structure. The Amish see the family as a group joined by love - for another and for God. Parents delight in each new addition to the family, seeing them as they do as gifts from God. Amish families tend to be large, consisting of as many as seven (or more) children. The home is central to Amish life with fathers working close to home; often on the family farm or a small craft shop nearby. Families can then spend time together in work as well as play, with both parents giving their children lessons in the skills to make them self sufficient later in life. A new baby is a cause for celebration, with parents having been busy with preparations for the new arrival all the time. A crib will be built, either by the father or another close community member is a symbol of Amish life and culture.
Made from high quality, natural woods using only traditional methods, an Amish crib is a prized heir loom which is passed down from generation to generation. Like in most Amish furniture, mortise and tenon joinery is used in constructing these cribs to make sure that the crib will hold up to long use and last for generations. Amish wooden crafts like this are generally made by hand in small shops next to Amish homes instead of in factories. Amish artisans take their time and devote their full care and attention to every detail, like dovetail joints which are cut by hand.
Amish cribs are among the simplest in design; and according to the safety professionals, these are the safest type. There is no risk of an infant asphyxiating due to clothing being caught on finials or scrollwork. These cribs are built to last and will not collapse or tip over. Amish cribs are in compliance with all of the relevant federal safety standards in terms of slat spacing and sturdiness and railing height. There is also no ornamentation which toddlers could climb on and risk falls. The exact specifications for crib safety can be seen here: http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/regsumcrib.pdf
There are also no chemical finishes used in making Amish cribs. An Amish crib is finished only with natural, baby-safe ingredients like tung-oil (which is non-toxic) and beeswax finishes. However, the most common finish on Amish solid wood furniture is conversion varnish, which keeps the wood protected from moisture and many hazardous chemicals. This varnish also will not peel or flake off. This is far better than the alternatives: polyurethane or lacquer coatings and varnishes which can be hazardous to your baby's health.
Amish cribs can be found in several styles, such as Mission, Shaker, Sleigh, Spindle, Cottage and Traditional. These cribs are made in a variety of woods: Red or White Oak, Cherry, Hickory, Black Walnut and Hard Maple. Before getting a crib, you might want to look into some other options for your baby such as a bassinet or cradle, as well as transition (sometimes called conversion) beds. These beds start as cribs and as the child grows older, can be converted - first into a day bed and finally a fully-sized twin bed. And if built by Amish craftsman, this bed will last for generations. Other Amish furniture...
Learn more about the Amish...
- Amish Furniture - Handmade In America
- The Amish are known for many things one of which is the beautiful furniture that they create. There are a number of reasons why Amish furniture is highly prized and sought after...
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