Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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 in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. via makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.