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 the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress 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.

A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top ranked cribs mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The right crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, cots and tots quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby cots on sale. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby cots online when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need 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 has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The top crib sets; Read More Listed here, include easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to assemble, and many include all the tools you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.