Crib Sets - 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 sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so 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 can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even when your child is out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are 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 be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of 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 peak of normal growth. This is typically at 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 placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. The mattresses we test had a removable 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 fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer Baby Cot Bed rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your Baby Cot's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea cheap baby cots for sale has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets (click this) come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.