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

The best cot beds crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound cots to tots create.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require an extra purchase.

Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

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

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for some parents.

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

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or suffocating in infant cot bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails should not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to 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 mattress for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best baby cots cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.

The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools required.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have a limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed 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 or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.