Crib cot 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 rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are 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's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example have no missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most recommended cribs cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs beds have distinct features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best rated cribs crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.