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 sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and
Baby beds does not bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These
cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. 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 the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation 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 cover-and-pad combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The most effective
crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
