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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit 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 clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US 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, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. cheap cots can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and many include all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. cheap cots to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.