Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh 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 the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless 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 in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning tots and cots maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best cot newborn crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cots cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good cribs choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.
The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.One parent testigator said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.
One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. They typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh 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 the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless 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 in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning tots and cots maintaining them even simpler.
Crib Rails
A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.
Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.
Lastly, you'll want to find the best cot newborn crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.
When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cots cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on objects or clothing.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good cribs choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.