Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets (Resource) come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has 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 for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even when your child is out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without 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 aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn Baby Cot Bed, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations that could pose dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your Baby beds's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combo. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the cot bed sales. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The Best cot for newborn cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best cot newborn crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together, and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.