Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). 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 a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically 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 put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. read review are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid read review with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.
