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 infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer best cot bed of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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 things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer 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 testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with various safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to assemble, and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.