Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to 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 snugly and doesn't get clumped 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, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don'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 are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
small cot beds and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.