Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. 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 can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at 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 put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best ones did not sink this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of 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 lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent teeth 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 ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.