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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. Baby beds suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually 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 an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best ones did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences 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 cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot 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. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.