Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets (www.cots4tots.co.uk) come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (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 option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably 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 gets out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable 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 which could be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. 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 and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are 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 for decorative purposes and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements 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 bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to 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 from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.