Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.
cot beds for sale of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. cot beds for sale 's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed 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 create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress should 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 determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They must also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.