Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably 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 parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
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When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically 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 the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away 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 flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.