Searching For Inspiration? Check Out Crib Sets
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is 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 low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.
You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of 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 factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a problem for some parents.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. recommended cribs of modern cribs take half hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.