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 tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. cheap cot beds should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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 aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, cheap cot beds should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed 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 for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden 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, since they don't require drilling into the surface.