Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed 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 infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 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, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a 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 correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
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 to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
Baby Cot Bed have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.