Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly 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 on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles 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 can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and cheap cots other adornments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning cots to tots keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually 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 a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. 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 sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining 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 cots to tots a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cot bed cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Also, be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. most recommended cribs cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.