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 are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved 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 in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). cots and tots 's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If cots offers choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. cots 4 tots will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are specifically 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 can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to 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 major impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items 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. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.