5 Clarifications On Crib Sets

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

The best crib (check out this one from gitea.lihaink.cn) sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (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 that your Baby Cot Bed will create.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cot beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good cribs indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a problem for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.

The Best cot for newborn crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.

Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.