Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This Avocado set is one of our top picks. 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 guarantees 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 on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create an injury to strangulation.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. top rated cots Cots For Tots UK recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies 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.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually 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 placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or 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 need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. 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 a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial for security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.