The Next Big Trend In The Crib Sets Industry
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. 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 also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious 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.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. Mini Cot Bed to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.