The Crib Sets Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from day one. 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 tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs which could be a problem for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
tots and cots of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and they include all the necessary tools.
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 is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.