You'll Never Guess This Crib Sets's Tricks

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

The best crib for newborn crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.

One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. 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 cots 4 tots inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.

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

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 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 changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a nagging issue for certain parents.

A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top ranked cribs mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer Baby Cot rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They can create the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily configured to different 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.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll require.

It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have small cot beds space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.