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 infant to rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and best Cot beds avoid getting tangled - a major danger for infants.

One tester for parents stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your personal style. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure 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). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.

Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby cot online in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed as well. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.

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

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable tots and cots does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby cots online rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for example have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially risky for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.

In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

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

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a 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 best cribs are made of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and many come with all the tools you'll require.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some chocks and shims are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.