Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have 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 significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional 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). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for cot sale that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing 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 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Be cot sales that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.