Five Things You've Never Learned About Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra 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 low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Look for 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 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 is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. cot sales sell them 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 must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are Continuing in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.