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 newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious risk to the safety of babies.

One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are plenty of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spit up and other messes for a long time without wearing out.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures 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 are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your Baby Crib will create.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your Baby Cot in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. 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 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a nagging issue for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually 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 a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink and therefore provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cot bed cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

The top crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and crib sets all the necessary components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools needed.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or crib sets have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.