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 are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid top ranked cribs that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the 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 should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink in this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations 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 do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For example, 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 ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and many include all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.