Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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 to clean the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. Baby Cot Bed should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are 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 CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the necessary tools.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before 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, which are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.