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 are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You should also ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
best cot newborn from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. best cot newborn should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of 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.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky 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. Ideally, best cots for newborns should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly 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.