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 are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options. However, picking the right bedding is more than selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch 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, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want 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 or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these 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.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. 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 crib design features are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its longevity. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. You should be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, cot sets may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.