5 Clarifications On Crib Sets
Crib Sets – Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching—a serious safety risk for infants. One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces. Bedding When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly. One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make. A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard. Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase. A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing. Mattress Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it. You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds. Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents. A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old. When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier. Crib Rails A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child. The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. top ranked cribs will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers. It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated “skirt”, which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet. In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed. You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards. Crib Hardware Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the design of the slats 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 numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress. Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury. The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required. You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process. Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called “shims”) and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface. Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.