5 Lessons You Can Learn From Crib Sets

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

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said she used hers 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 minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your Baby beds. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on 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 your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and Cot Beds other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries 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 around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby cots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

You should avoid recommended cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools needed.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.

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