Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). cot beds cots4tots can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a 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 the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, 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 carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure 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.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy 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 surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.