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 the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a smart buy. 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 crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. online cots are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign 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. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.