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 infant to sleep soundly from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products are in compliance with strict 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 (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. best infant cribs can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then 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 one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from 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. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide 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. The products comprise mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts 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 are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.