Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cot bed crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great crib option for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous 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 (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in cot bed sales. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. The products comprise mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed cots to tots cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
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 who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, 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 shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.