Test: How Much Do You Know About Crib Sets
Crib cot sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby 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 danger for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump 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 blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or Good cribs daybed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, 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 remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer cheap baby cots rails with their cribs however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so 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 fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
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 for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The best cots cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid good cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.