Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very 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 it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
cot beds of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must 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 should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or are dependent on 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 as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Baby Cot have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Baby Cot take half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have small space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.