Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good cribs sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink in this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of Cot Bed while they sleep or drowning. 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 correct set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby cots On sale rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Examine the crib's 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 necessary components, including hardware. most recommended cribs modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which 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 a number of years or have limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.