Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet 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.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The best ones did not sink in this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. cheap cots offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot 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 stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely 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's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.