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

The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.

One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets 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 safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These small cot beds usually convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included however, others 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 worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also 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 and is comfortable 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 remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how it reacted. The Best cot for newborn mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets cots and tots other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails must not only be strong but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and could be dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or Baby Cot Bed other adornments. These can pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These are comprised of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style 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 and its lifespan. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools required.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler 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 a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.