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 beginning. 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 said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options. But picking the right one is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. cheap cot bed will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other adornments that could pose dangers for suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a lot include all the tools you'll need.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.