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 newborn to sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

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

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.

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

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

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby gets out of it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best ones did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested had a cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and Baby Cot maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They must also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.

The right crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

You'll also need to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the Baby Cot's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could snag on clothing or other objects.

The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some chocks and shims are constructed of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.