Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. see more includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. Baby beds can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and 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 better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for example 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 to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining 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 ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
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, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.