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're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must 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.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of 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.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or 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 able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
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 bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats that are 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 are constructed from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient such as 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 accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.
