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 day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that fits snugly and Affordable Cots doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size small cot beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require a separate 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 worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right 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 chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries 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 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best baby cots ones did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, Cot Bed be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. 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. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.