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 infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Full File is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.