Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won'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). The blankets can be washed in the machine to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place after your child grows out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Choose 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 foam used in mattresses is made without 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 things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This may be a major issue for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
Baby beds tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The best ones did not sink and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings while you're 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 railings on the sides that are fixed.
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 for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.