15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 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 crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a full-size or daybed as well. top rated cots include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.