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 beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket 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.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while 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 the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not 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 when your child is out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better 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 tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
Baby Cot that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. They consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.