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 very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. mini cotbed is an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly 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 after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically 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 placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing via , quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup 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. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
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 for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others like the style of the slats that are 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 longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which 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.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.