Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly 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 a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. But choosing Continuing is more than just picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes 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 products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. mini cot beds could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to 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 complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.