The Secret Secrets 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 require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
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, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.