Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib newborn crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. 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.
A few 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 better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.