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 peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. 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). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and 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 has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place after your child has grown out of it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also 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 stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, cots and tots should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have limited space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.