A Peek Inside The Secrets Of Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most recommended cribs ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your Cheap Baby cots will create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your Baby Crib in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or infant cot bed even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features 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 to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made 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. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their 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 placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide Baby Crib rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. 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, but not too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in 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 mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend 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 to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.