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 sleep soundly from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

One of our favorite cot sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality tots and cots safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.

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

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.

It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They also can help avoid teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and they come with all of the tools required.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy cot for sale families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to know that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for safety and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.