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 first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend which 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 to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the products of the company 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 (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another great 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. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant 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 consider include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They must also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while 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 fixed side railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib 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 the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are 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 are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. small cot beds is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.