Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose Cot Bed that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from 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 also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They must also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. Baby beds are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.