The Reasons To Work With This Crib Sets
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 peacefully from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. But picking the right one is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may 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 is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. most recommended cribs will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up 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, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once 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 offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater 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.