Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk 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 favorite. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible 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 so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (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 to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. best cot newborn that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically 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 put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. cots to tots offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be 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 but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a 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 if it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the necessary tools.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the 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 may break suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.