Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But picking the right one is more than just picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. 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 get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create 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 typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded 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 baby on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. best cots are constructed of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the danger of choking children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.