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Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate 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 up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates 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. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs 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. sale cot placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try 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 fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. mini cot beds can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.