7 Tips About Crib Sets That Nobody Can Tell You

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

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler Mini Cot Bed, or best Crib newborn even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.

A few of our most recommended cribs-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable 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 fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best crib cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.

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

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. most recommended cribs cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break 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.