The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These could fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and is comfortable 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, even after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib RailsA crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for Www.cots4tots.co.uk families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are 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, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.
