Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child 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. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct 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 or her beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, cots4Tots.co.uk however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.