Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cots uk crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually 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 a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt 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 withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When buying crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them on the cot bed sales. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best baby cots cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.