Everything You Need To Be Aware Of Crib Sets

Crib Sets – Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid 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 another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for small nursery spaces.

Bedding

There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn’t clump up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for months without fading.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company’s textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won’t shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that’s less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of anything that’s 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 intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others 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 made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it’s Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest 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 of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child grows 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 typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it’s waterproof or not. You’ll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we’ve tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child’s mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can’t be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they can’t be taken away by your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don’t have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted “skirt” that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

You’ll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby’s head if it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib’s fixed railings.

You’ll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they’re ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It’s simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others–such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed–can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you’ll require.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.

It isn’t easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as “shims”) and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.