The Greatest Sources Of Inspiration Of Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying recommended cribs if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching 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 size are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate, which 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 that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. 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.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or 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 much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.