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 sleep peacefully from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments 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 beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while 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 from solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to crib mattress. online cots suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some 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 once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink in this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. A few 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 more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like 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 as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.