Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. cot for sale come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable 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 20 lbs which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is 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 put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. 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 much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential 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. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.