Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to 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 stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. best cot newborn will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the 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 ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the necessary tools.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give 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, which can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.