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 first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 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 also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose tots and cots which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that 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 remain in place after your child grows out of it.
In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of 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 factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like 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 ease of use of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.