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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top ranked cribs picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so 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). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of best baby cots rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
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 to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely 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 bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and they come with all the necessary tools.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler 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 limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.