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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are 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 baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release 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 and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll 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 in at 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
great crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools needed.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great 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 some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.