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 first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching – a major safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It’s not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado’s products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They’re pre-shrunk to ensure they don’t shrink or stretch after washing, and they’re designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (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 your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It’s constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it’s Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn’t leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
In addition, you’ll want to determine if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)–which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress’s foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, cots4Tots lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it’s waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you’ll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The top mattresses 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 suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don’t contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. 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’re looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted “skirt” that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You’ll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you’re feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib’s railings on the sides that are fixed.
You’ll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib’s design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others — like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to check the crib’s hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the tools you’ll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it’s vital for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as “shims”) and large chocks known as step chocks. They’re all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more 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.
