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 newborn to sleep peacefully from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on 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 to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. top rated cots have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good 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 mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away 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 flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may 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, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.