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 sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that 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 also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These could fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of 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 a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant cot bed side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great crib option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and small cot beds supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.