The best crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to 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 accidents and stains. 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 ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even when your child is out of it.
You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, 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 is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting 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. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools needed.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.
