Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don'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. The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller 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 stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable 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 could be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. cots offers is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. cots offers makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. The products comprise a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in 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 has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.