Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester 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 a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than just picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose 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 cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). best crib newborn love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded 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 infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet 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 without being too flimsy. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard 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 personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority come with 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 full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.