Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a risk of suffocation 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 fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 cots 4 tots inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low 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 essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 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 softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The best cot bed ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The area should be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combination. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby cots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cots for newborns cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.