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 newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could create an choking risk to your child.
tots and cots it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable 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 around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib 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 the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your
Baby Crib. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea
Baby Cot has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The
best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great option 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 items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.