Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit 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 child is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without 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.
Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds, which may be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. best crib newborn should ideally be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
Once cot bed sales outgrows the crib, you'll need 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 offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.