5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Crib Sets
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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed 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 to clean the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on 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.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used 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. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and 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 cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your cheap cot beds Baby Cot cots 4 tots (Continue Reading)'s head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, 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 infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.
