Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.
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There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits tightly and doesn't clump into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose 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 cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
Some of our top 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 in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 lbs which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually about 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 put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The area should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have 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 can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.