Seven Reasons Why Crib Sets Is Important
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 first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains 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 meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that 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 that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered 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 the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves 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 prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and many come with all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.