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're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
similar web page for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down 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 lay sheets over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. A few 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 fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.
read review have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to assemble, and many come with all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.