Why You ll Definitely Want To Learn More About Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others 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 any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly 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 -could have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective 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 beds that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib cot sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern recommended cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "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 constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.