Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nurseries.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. tots and cots should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on 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.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
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 which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.