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 newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Mini Cot Bed
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet the highest standards of 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 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Baby Cot Bed 'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.