Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). small cot beds -washable to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include 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 in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not 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 when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 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 a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or to 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 even more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose or missing 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 be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen 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 before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.