Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best rated cribs crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made of 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. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another 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 one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long 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 include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious 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.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The Best cot for newborn mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the best crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern best rated cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have small space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.