Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
linked here
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are 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 (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly 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 grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. 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 the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. cot sets advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When buying crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.