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 the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on 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 bundle of joy is sure to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood
cots and tots features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam 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.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll 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 heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn
cheap baby cots, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer
baby cots online rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to 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 babies. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress.