Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're 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 another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication 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 and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 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 which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. recommended cribs are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
small cot beds are strictly aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a 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. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.