Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than just choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that 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 a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. small cot beds are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while 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 of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of 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 things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating 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 more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. best cots sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining 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 safe in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential for security and stability. small cot beds are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.