The Hidden Secrets Of Crib Sets

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

The Best cot for newborn crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably 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 used it through two children and then 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

There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 cots 4 tots inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

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

It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold 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 mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, cot bed sales sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.

The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size Cot Bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.