20 Reasons To Believe Crib Sets Will Not Be Forgotten
Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.
One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery designs.
Bedding
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.
One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.
In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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 factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This may be a problem for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, 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 a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be risky for your child. When purchasing best rated cribs , be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. recommended you read should be no more than three fingers.
It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.
You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.
The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll need.
Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.
Full Statement and shims are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.