Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is 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 sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an impression 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 baby is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. cots and tots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to 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, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with special features that make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.