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're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. https://mathis-mcintosh.mdwrite.net/where-will-cheap-cots-be-1-year-from-today convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is 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. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some 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 even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a small space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.