Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. best rated cribs convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't 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, even after your child has grown out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses 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 mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some 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 when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They must also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying 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 area should 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 dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have limited space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly 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.