Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find 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 that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually 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 weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The best ones did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider Full File and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible 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 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 -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.