How To Become A Prosperous Crib Sets When You're Not Business-Savvy
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on 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 little bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has 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 certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay 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 baby is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If best cots choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.