Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and 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 that your little child is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with 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 stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.
It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign 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, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to stop your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If most recommended cribs want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
You'll also want to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows 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 can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll require.
Think about 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 utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.