Ten Myths About Crib Sets That Aren't Always The Truth
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 are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies. One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces. Bedding When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast. One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create. A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation. If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase. Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing. Mattress When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it. In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents. A mattress that has two sides could 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 typically about 12 months old. We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. 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 tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier. Crib Rails A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child. The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers. You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include 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 a fitted “skirt” that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet. Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed. Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards. Crib Hardware Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib. Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects. The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they come with all the necessary tools. You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process. It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called “shims”) and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and supported surface. Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. tots and cots and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.