You ll Never Guess This Crib Sets s Benefits
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton 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, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These small cot beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile cots and tots potentially risky for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the necessary tools.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs beds come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide 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 can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.