Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. Full Statement for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. 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 Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. best rated cribs may be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at around 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 tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails 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, 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 to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. cot sets should also be able to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.