Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit 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 child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best baby cots cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for Best Cot for Newborn security and Small Cot Beds stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.