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 rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee 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). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried 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.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. 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 remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how it reacted. The best infant cribs ones did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby cots on sale's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cribs cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best rated cribs crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small cot beds space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.