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 newborn to sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also 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 crucial. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not 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 when your child is out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly 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 bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct 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 ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.