Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means 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). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best ones did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. best cots for newborns should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and many 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 is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.