Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton 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 won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on 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 bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require a separate 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 worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. cot sets consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the necessary tools.
Think about best rated cribs that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly 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.