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 first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure 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 of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with required 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 worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably 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 has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. Full Statement will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a 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's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.