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 pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select cots 4 tots that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. 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 top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable 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 when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.