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

The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your Baby Cot. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are 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.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of 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 the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For instance, 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 being too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best Baby cots crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

As your baby cots on sale grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.