Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
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 good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and 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 factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer 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 weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and Cots4Tots complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.