Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on 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.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of 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 things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool 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 safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Baby Cot have a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Baby Cot and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.