Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could be the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 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 additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and 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 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 tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once 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 offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to assemble, and many include all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, cheap cot bed that are more rigid 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.