Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to sleep well from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Bedding
There are many options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to fit your style. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for a long time without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or 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.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and 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 substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. best infant cribs or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.
The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head 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 prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most 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 a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and 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 shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.