Ten Myths About Crib Sets That Aren't Always True

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 newborn to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.

Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you're planning 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 sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. 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.

A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and Recommended cribs cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and Best Baby Cots meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best cot newborn crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools required.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.