Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, cots and tots should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that 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.
When your child is no longer in 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 offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Also, be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.