crib sets (Elearnportal blog article) - 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 sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers cot for sale two babies and mini cot beds then gave it to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the great crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and infant Cot Bed drool on the crib's fixed railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or best crib newborn the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.