5 Lessons You Can Learn From Crib Sets

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

The best cot newborn cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and Best Cot beds safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means 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). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of 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 certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of Baby Cot rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which 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 ornaments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs (https://yogicentral.science/wiki/A_Comprehensive_Guide_To_Cots_And_Tots_From_Start_To_Finish) take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll need.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and 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 or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly 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.