Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
mini cotbed for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. mini cotbed are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features 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 strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects 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 better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe 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 drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop 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, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her 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.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.