Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan 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 full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place even when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. cheap cot bed is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of 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.
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 better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few 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 easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look 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 should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the right 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 on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all 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 purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.