Notes

Five Things You Don't Know About Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cribs have everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free 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.

best cot beds Cots 4 Tots to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So 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 ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of 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 without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent 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 keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.


The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.

Homepage: https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/