crib sets [Storageonterminal writes] - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
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 a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and best crib for newborn cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. These 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 on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed 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 is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more effective. For example 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 ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The Best cot for newborn crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.