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Crib Sets – Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled – a major danger for 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 good choice for minimalist nurseries. Bedding When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for months without fading. This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make. Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation. If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase. A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing. Mattress When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation 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 grows out of it. Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made 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. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of 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. A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents. A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress 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 placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler. Crib Rails A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child. The crib rails should not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers. It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted “skirt” that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet. You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed. best cot newborn 'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are 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 install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC. Crib Hardware Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed—can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib. Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present danger. The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools required. You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process. It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as “shims”) and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface. Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.