7 Secrets About Crib Sets That Nobody Can Tell You Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. But picking the right one 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 bunch up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for a long time without fading.

One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on 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 clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

You'll also want to check 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 odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.


Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The best ones did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any 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 be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, cot beds for sale may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.