Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator 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 small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (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 remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 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 placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins 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 sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. cots 4 tots feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. cots offers is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.