Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. cot bed sales makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose 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 confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink in this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any 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 able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, top rated cots need get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
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 greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.