Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from day one. 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 parent tester said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for months without fading.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed 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 to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. cots and tots recommends a mattress that is firm and 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 should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms 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 phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a problem for some parents.
tots and cots with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs 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, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few 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 more simple.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. cots and tots sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the necessary tools.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.