Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the first day. 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 said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit 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 little baby is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam 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, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after 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 placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off 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 simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide 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 just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety 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's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Be Click At this website to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "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 chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.