The Greatest Sources Of Inspiration Of 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 the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
best infant cribs 'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a small space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.