Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the first day. Baby beds are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. cot beds of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.