Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your style. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about 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 of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good 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's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority come with all of the necessary tools.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. cots 4 tots to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.