10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Crib Sets

Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cot bed crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger cot for sale infants.

One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.

Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.

Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cot bed cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs beds with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.

The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have a small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.