What Is It That Makes Crib Sets So Famous?
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. nursery cots are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet the highest standards of 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 blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed 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 one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete 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 separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine 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.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.