Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS 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. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine 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 odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, cot sets 'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.