You'll Never Guess This Crib Sets's Tricks
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
affordable cots said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll require.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system 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 the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.