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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for 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 good investment. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, Crib Sets there are a lot of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby cot online in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a problem for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a softer side for Baby Cot toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded 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 it reacted. The best rated cribs mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support cots to tots prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.

The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, Crib Sets try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

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