Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard 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 wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees 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 they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator 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 and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable 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 selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
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 weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make cots and tots 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, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.