Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better 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 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of 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 is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
browse around here 'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.