Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best crib sets (talking to) come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then gave it to a different friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly tots and cots doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit on 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 bundle of joy is sure to create.

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. 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 long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20 lbs which could be a nagging issue for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually at 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 tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best cot beds ones did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. They must, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to cushion the baby's head if it hits the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler Cot Bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.