Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be 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 should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. top ranked cribs to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot include 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 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 to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.