Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (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 your little child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used 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's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, 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. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib 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 bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as 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 the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. cot sets can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.