Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But picking the right one is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size 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 your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs (www.Cots4tots.co.uk) are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of 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). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place 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. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's 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 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 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 determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have small space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.