Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which 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 create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require a separate 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 has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth. Mini Cot Bed is typically around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While infant cot bed for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Mini Cot Bed should not be larger than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail protectors. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.