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're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (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 newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.
If you're planning 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 a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should 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 chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Cots 4 Tots Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper 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 rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also 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 strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.