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 beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose 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 usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler guardrail 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 has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the necessary tools.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.