Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. 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). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from 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's low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the 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 be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, best crib for newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your Baby Cot's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need an infant cot bed guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in 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 the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and affordable Cots can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and cot sales with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.