crib sets (read this blog post from Google) - 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 sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she had 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 good choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products 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 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 bundle of joy is sure to make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off tots and cots create the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for Cots and tots infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. The majority of recommended cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.