Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid best crib for newborn that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the 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 set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.