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 very first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and 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 a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They must also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. cots offers will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
online cots and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.
