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 first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can 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 beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When sale cot purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.