Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (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 for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. such a good point 'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy 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 should not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats 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 durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.