Who s The Top Expert In The World On Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit 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 passed it on to a friend. This made it a good cribs investment. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's 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 shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include 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 taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and Nursery Cots other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your Baby Crib. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the cot bed sales. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, best crib and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.