Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your cheap baby cots to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You should also make sure 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 endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains 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 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 made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cot beds for sale can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, 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.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.