Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had 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 nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies 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. 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 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 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 weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. navigate here offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in 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 an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
Baby Crib include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.