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're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than just choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while 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 fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress 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 aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 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 an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe 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. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. Baby Cot Bed is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.