This Story Behind Crib Sets Can Haunt You Forever
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 cot bed to rest comfortably from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins cots and tots blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and Mini Cot Bed stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.
