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 sleep soundly from the beginning. They are already 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 used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For Baby beds , the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.