Crib Sets: The Secret Life Of 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 infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict 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 (27 1 The blanket's size is cots 4 tots inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a nagging issue for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to find the best cot newborn crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.

The best cots crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.

You might also want to think about 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 intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater 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.