Seven Explanations On Why Crib Sets Is So Important
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're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. Baby Crib are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find 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 positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest 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 examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. Baby Crib feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. 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 that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.