10 Locations Where You Can Find 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 very first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places 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 over the course of months without fading.
The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require a separate purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. 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 selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. Baby Cot Bed occurs at around 12 months.
We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. 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 standards. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.
You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.
Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the 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 fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Mini Cot Bed take a half hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.