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 the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. 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 Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're 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 little child is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
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 weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. tots and cots of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While cots offers for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.