The Secret Secrets Of Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. 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 where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (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.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet 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 determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
cot bed sales to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. best crib for newborn makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.