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 infant to sleep soundly from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of 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 plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cot beds for sale can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included however, 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 highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The top ranked cribs mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying 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.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major best Cot newborn impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.