Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. Full Statement is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed 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 Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with 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 a crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.