Question: How Much Do You Know About Crib Sets

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

The best rated cribs cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major danger for infants.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good cribs choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These can come off and create a strangulation hazard.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially 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 positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, tots and cots are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more useful such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler Cot Bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.