Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you require for your baby to sleep peacefully from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.
Best cot for newborn
When it concerns crib bedding, there are plenty of options. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. cheap cot beds should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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.
Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable 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 proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no 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 which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or objects.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools needed.
It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known 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 could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.