Crib Sets's History History Of Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could be an choking risk to your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, 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, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly 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 remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some parents.
Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.
When testing 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, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling or getting suffocated. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best crib s feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.
The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all the tools required.
Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and supported surface.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.