Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to fit your style. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends 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 the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses 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 weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is 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, which is usually at around 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 one to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to stop your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search 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 be too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially 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 cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Baby beds is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy 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, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the 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 have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. 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 parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.