Crib Sets – Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without bunching – a major danger for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It’s not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our top ranked cribs picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It’s an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado’s fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They’re pre-shrunk so they won’t stretch or shrink after washing, cots and tots they’re designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your cheap baby cots will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that’s too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It’s constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It’s also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other factors to consider include the mattress’s weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you’ll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we’ve tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child’s weight without being too thin. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm cots to tots your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated “skirt” that can be positioned around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
You’ll also need to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib’s railings fixed.
You’ll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others — such as the style of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib’s hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.
The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the tools you’ll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn’t easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called “shims”) and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don’t require drilling into the surface.
