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 beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great crib purchase. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some Baby Crib furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft 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 a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits 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 railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best cot bed crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.