Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for 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 sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. tots and cots steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most recommended cribs cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best baby cots Crib Sets (Postheaven.net) come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.