7 Secrets About Crib Sets That Nobody Can Tell You
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
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 cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a 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 features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
cots and tots is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to 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 most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.