Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan 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 sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. cots offers can result in an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.