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 are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
small cot beds come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. recommended cribs are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.