Ten Crib Sets That Will Actually Help You Live Better

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

The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures 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 made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

Consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a problem for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.

When we tested crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. For best cot bed 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 should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They could pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The best cot bed cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, including hardware. most recommended cribs modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good cribs choice for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.