Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. cots offers -shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit 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 passed it on to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
cots and tots should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the 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 best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets include 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 put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.