Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your personal style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.