20 Things Only The Most Devoted Crib Sets Fans Know
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made from 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 don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may 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 sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a nagging issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. top ranked cribs are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. top ranked cribs are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.