You ll Be Unable To Guess Crib Sets s Secrets
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 newborn to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great crib purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery cots spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at 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 the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
great crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The most effective crib sets (right here on Pku) come with simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.