15 Things You Didn t Know About Crib Sets

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

The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.

One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.

The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit 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 that your little bundle is likely to make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These mini cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Look for 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 confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded 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 the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby cots On sale rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby beds offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an infant cot bed bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cot beds cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll need.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.