Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. Make sure mini cotbed measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard 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 like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. 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 because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. 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 have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they come with all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits 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 come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.