Here's A Little Known Fact Concerning Crib Sets
most recommended cribs - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures 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 a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose 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. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal 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 that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.