Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation 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 spills without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and 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 remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs which could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved 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 most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. cot for sale should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side 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 for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats that are 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 longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.