Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We 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 crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.