Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some 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 made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. Be please click the next internet page that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.