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 sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid cots 4 tots that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a problem for certain parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails must not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together and a lot include 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 option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.