Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cot beds crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee 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). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose 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 can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cheap cot beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for online cots some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly 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 bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler Mini Cot Bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.