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 first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. 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 is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or 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 among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For tots and cots , they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They must also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally 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 the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools required.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.