Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and 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 for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate 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 who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place 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. Choose mini cot beds that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or 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 impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.