7 Secrets About Crib Sets That No One Will 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 cot bed to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's 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 or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs beds. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, Cheap Baby Cots blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the cot bed sales. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly 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.