10 Quick Tips For Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. click hyperlink that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit 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 railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools required.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.