Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the very first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. Cots For Tots that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 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 placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for example 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 to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. Ideally, the space 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 ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.