Test: How Much Do You Know About Crib Sets

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

The best cribs (your input here) come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.

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

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

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 changing sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The Best cot for newborn mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, cot Bed Sales but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.

The Best cot for newborn crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.

You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases 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 big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.