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 newborn to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). cot beds for sale can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when 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 will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.