How Crib Sets Became The Hottest Trend In 2024
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 fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.
Bedding
There are many choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.
One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.
A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood tots and cots has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. 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 even after your child has grown out of it.
It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms 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 regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs that could be a turnoff for certain parents.
Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of Baby cot online rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.
Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with special features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.
Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.
The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.
Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs beds have a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.