Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks 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 so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (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 that your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of 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 be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
top rated cots are only aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.
