Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may 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 which confirms that the foam used in a mattress 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 weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. 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 if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
cots 4 tots need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and could be risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools needed.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a 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 kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.