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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on 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 your little child is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in 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 work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
via have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.