Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with required 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 constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
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 placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. cots 4 tots for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special 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.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.