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 infant to sleep peacefully from the first day. 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 tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
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, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent 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 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great crib option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and Best Infant Cribs occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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 aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20lbs that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at 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 put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The best rated cribs ones did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best crib for newborn cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, great Crib which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.