Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable 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 serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly 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 withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). linked resource site can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create 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 into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, 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 that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to 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.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. Mini Cot Bed are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Be Mini Cot Bed to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and many come with all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.