The most ideal crib sets have everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery spaces.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification 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 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 that your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a separate purchase.
A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.
When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.
You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your Baby Cots On Sale. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the design 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 ease of use of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.
