Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so 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 an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. cots to tots recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes So a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones 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 flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security 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 the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly 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.