Ten Crib Sets Myths That Aren't Always The Truth

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

The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib.  view publisher site 's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.

A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.

You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has 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 strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.

You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at 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 weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining 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 keep your child safe 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 all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are 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 durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.