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 peacefully from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for small nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without fading.

This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet rigorous 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 a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler infant cot bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a 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 must also be of the right size for the crib, and Crib sets it should remain in place, even after your baby gets out of it.

It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs which could be a nagging issue for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.

The best baby cots crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready for a bigger bed for best crib their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet numerous safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present danger.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Most modern cribs beds can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools required.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.