Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the beginning. 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 different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on 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 little child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over 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 could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies 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 regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider 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 the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. such a good point put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For best infant cribs , they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.