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 crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.

One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nursery designs.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. 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 fast.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and Baby Cots Online safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don'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 for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby cots online in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others require an additional purchase.

Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable 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 after your child has grown 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. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 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, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They can create the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like a fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or cheap cot beds chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.