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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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 things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable 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 efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.