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 sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best cot bed ones did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best crib newborn cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most come with all of the necessary tools.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.