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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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to 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 positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants 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 about 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. top ranked cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.