Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. 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. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. mini cotbed should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs which could be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing 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 secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater 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.