Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch into places that could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require a purchase.
Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of 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). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.
cheap cot beds should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all 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. cheap cot beds should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings 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 their bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase 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 blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slow, which may provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.