The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattress pads that are 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 adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also 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 a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which 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 placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break 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 are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.
