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 peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or 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 clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
cot sales and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for an adult 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
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and many include all the equipment you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.