Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
good cribs
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra 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 worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. 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 ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.