Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. Cots 4 Tots put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.