Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib cot sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and best cot beds then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included but some 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 has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)–which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
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 better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise 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 they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best cots crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your Baby beds's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted ”skirt” that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed–can have a significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as ”shims”) and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/756/graco-sweet2sleep-bedside-bassinet-crib-keeping-baby-close-to-you-with-easy-access-side-rail-11-height-adjustments-4-tilt-positions-and-with-carrybag-oatmeal-fashion-756.jpg)Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.
