crib sets (Theviko blog entry) - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.

The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove 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 and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for crib sets a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

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 put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from 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 keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby cots online's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cot beds cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.

The best cot newborn crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.