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

The best cot bed crib sets come with everything you require for your cheap baby cots to sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

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

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.

You should also determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds which could be a turnoff for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.

When we tested crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.

The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft 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 a fitted sheet.

You'll also want to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the Baby beds's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and Recommended Cribs drool on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby Cot Bed offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The top crib sets include easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have a little space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.