Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products 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 on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. 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 correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. These can pose a suffocation risk. cot bed sales should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have little space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.