Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The
best cot bed crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These
small cot beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
It is also important to determine 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. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs that could be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a 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 rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous 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, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. 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 however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best
crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware.