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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
click homepage said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Baby beds offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose 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 to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. Baby beds are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.