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 sleep peacefully from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't 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 blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent 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 a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 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. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your
cheap baby cots for sale in the crib for a long time. These
cot beds for sale can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (
cot for sale parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing 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, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. 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 without being too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. They consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their 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 simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The
best crib newborn cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.