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 already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could be a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to 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 good indicator. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the 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 decorative cut-outs or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. best cots for newborns can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.