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're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
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 indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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 aspects 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 every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If cribs beds want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts 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 of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.