Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for months without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. cots 4 tots adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a 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 strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without 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 changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. A few 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 even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.