Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. cot sets 's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds which could be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. cheap cots are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.