Need Inspiration? Look Up 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 be comfortable from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.
Bedding
When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes for months without wearing out.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.
Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without 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 aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they must 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 fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Make sure best cot newborn measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
You'll also want to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will 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 that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll need.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.