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 sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for months without fading.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
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. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler cot bed sales and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are 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 (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need cots to tots consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant cot bed, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.