Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for
Best cots uk a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from 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 is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal 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 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of
baby cots on sale rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of
cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the
Cot Bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea
Baby Cot Bed offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The top crib sets include simple instructions as well as all the required 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 require.