Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best infant cribs cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your cheap baby cots for sale. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good cribs indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam 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 things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or cheap Cot beds wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby cot online grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.