Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your style. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is cots 4 tots inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are 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). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of substances 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. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or cot sale not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and 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 reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for example be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When buying crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the 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 adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their cheap cot bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. 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 have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, cribs stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.