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 infant to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another great option for newborns 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 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child gets 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. Find Baby beds that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of 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 be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds which could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually about 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 which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a small space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.