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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and cots4tots then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. 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). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at 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 placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer 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 loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. They consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient like 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 that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, 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 limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.