Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (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 your baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs at 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, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design 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 ease of use of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the tools required.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks.
best cots uk are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.