Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib (article source) sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent 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 bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose 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 come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression 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 grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every 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 nagging issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move 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 crib for newborn ones did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best infant cribs crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.