The Secret Life Of Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. 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 in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem 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 an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all 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 without becoming too flimsy. They must also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on 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 most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Baby beds to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.