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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. cots to tots is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on 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 child is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. cots to tots placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when 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 works with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. cots to tots to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.