Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains 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 the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. cheap cot bed are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.