Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your baby will create.
Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.
Mattress
When it comes to crib mattresses, Baby Cot Bed firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free cots and tots free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.
We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.
The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.
It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.
It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.
You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.
You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.
The best crib cot sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have limited space in their homes. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.