The People Nearest To Crib Sets Share Some Big Secrets

Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. cots offers can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
In cots offers , you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and 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 tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to stop your child from falling or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows 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 works with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have 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.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.