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 are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. However, picking the right bedding is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you also want something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can detach and pose a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

When it is about 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 place a sheet over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place after your child has grown out of it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could harm your child. Choose 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 which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain 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 an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.

When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. While some cheap baby cots for sale furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail protectors. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings 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 big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs 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 with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll require.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.