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 sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must 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 fast.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows 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 free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling or suffocating in cheap cot bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning tots and cots maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, Online Cots and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The top crib cot sets include simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.