How Crib Sets Became The Hottest Trend Of 2024

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 day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes over the course of months without fading.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don'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). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach 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 beds usually convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but 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 constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits comfortably and does not leave an impression 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 when your child is out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth. This is typically about 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 put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, 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 without being too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the equipment you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

best cot beds  can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.

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