10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. cot sale comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit 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 as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools required.
You may 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 a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.