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 peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. Best cot for newborn want to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. 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.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in 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 simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together, and many come with all the equipment you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.