Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. cots to tots makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound 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 stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious 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.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. Be best cots uk to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts to 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, meet various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or 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 and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly 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.