Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with 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 getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert into a toddler Cot Bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed 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). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best ones did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These 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 help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby cots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best recommended cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or Cots and Tots have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called 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 of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.