Ten Common Misconceptions About Crib Sets That Aren t Always True

Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.

This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (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 that your little child is bound to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.

You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your Baby Cot in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from 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's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib tots and cots it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

It is also important to determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a nagging issue for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer cheap baby cots for sale rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation 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. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's 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 bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs - great post to read - have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.

The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll need.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.