Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. 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). best crib newborn for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and 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 see how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. They consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe 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 easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.