Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
top ranked cribs said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must 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 that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. recommended cribs 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, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. recommended cribs is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.