Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. Mini Cot Bed convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others 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 the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that 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 remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. linked resource site did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The area should be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique 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 with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.