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 pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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 to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. most recommended cribs can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking children. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend but it's vital 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're all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more 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.