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 snugly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. 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 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (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 reduce gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable 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 around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
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 placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. 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 but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes 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 include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. Be cots and tots that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.