Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great 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 choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
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, a bit heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. These can pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them 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 guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. best crib newborn will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before 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 much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.
