Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. Baby Cot Bed makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could be the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts 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, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (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 great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress 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.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 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 the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.