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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don'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. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
good cribs Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. cheap cots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet numerous 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 having to remove the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, 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 limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.