Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, 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 should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft 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 we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. 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 cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combination. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. cots and tots to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority come with all of the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.