The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures 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 a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and 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 mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe 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 meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.
The most effective Crib Sets (Www.Cots4Tots.Co.Uk) come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the necessary tools.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.
