Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. Mini Cot Bed must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures 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). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without 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 the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.