Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and 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 just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. 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 to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid tots and cots or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool 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 safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.