Crib Sets – Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They’re pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching – a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery designs.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn’t get clumped up in places where it could pose a danger 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 wearing out.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado’s products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don’t shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket’s size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They’re also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to create.

A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for a mattress pad that’s less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that’s too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It’s constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried 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 prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn’t leave an indentation on the surface when you put a sheet over it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.

You’ll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it’s waterproof or not. It’s likely that you’ll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child’s mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.

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 determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some 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. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, 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 becoming too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they can’t be taken away by your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable “skirt” that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

You’ll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby’s head if it hits the crib railings while you’re feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib’s side railings that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you’ll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child’s safety in the bed until they’re ready for a big kid bed. best crib for newborn offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It’s easy to install and meets all of the CPSC’s safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib’s design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features — such as the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Also, make sure to check the crib’s hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It’s important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it’s essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as “shims”), and large chocks called step chocks. They’re all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they don’t require drilling into the surface.