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 very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don'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). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. cot beds for sale can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. cheap cot bed to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.