Ten Crib Sets Myths You Shouldn t Post On Twitter

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

The best crib (www.cots4tots.co.Uk) sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.

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

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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 make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and features one of the highest 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 which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper 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 up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools required.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.