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 pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. just click for source should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess 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 also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with 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 Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without 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 factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually 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 placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The best ones did not sink and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They must also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and 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 major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.