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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 the beginning. 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 it through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. cot beds contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won'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). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue 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 once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure 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.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these 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. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.