Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made 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). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
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 more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically at around 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 tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like 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 ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. mini cot beds can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools needed.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.