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 are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress must also be the proper 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 if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker 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 the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. most recommended cribs should ideally be no more than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the equipment you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.
most recommended cribs can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.