Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Find cheap cots 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 and other adornments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place after your child has grown 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 mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. cot sets certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
great crib measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into 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 construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.