Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. 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 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 bundle of joy is sure to 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 accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
cot beds
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so 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, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They must also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various 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 having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools needed.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.