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 rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for small nursery cots spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places where it could pose the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless 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 mattress's foam is free of 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.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and cot sale looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold 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 need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and Small Cot beds drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective, 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 ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.