Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. cheap cots is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
cot sets for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably 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 remain in place after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a nagging issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no more 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. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. good cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.