You ll Be Unable To Guess Crib Sets s Benefits
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 the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious 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 sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These mini cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used 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. 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 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, Baby beds try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in 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 fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib cot sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.