Everything You Need To Learn About Crib Sets
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, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (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 create.
Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the 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 but not be too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Make sure best cots for newborns measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combination. They consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's 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 can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing 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 objects or clothing.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they include all the necessary tools.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good buy for families that plan 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 a second purchase to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.