Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. cheap cot beds streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to 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 fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is 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 are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. cheap cot beds that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 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 placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. The products comprise mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.