Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without wearing out.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on 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.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
great crib and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a problem for certain parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when 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 offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.