10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Crib Sets
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 rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded 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 observe how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools required.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or who have little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.