Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's 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 won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (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 make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. cots 4 tots suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider cots offers and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while 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 need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their 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. tots and cots to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.