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

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

One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up 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. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (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 baby is bound to create.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included however, others require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able to lock securely into place so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, Cots4Tots.Co.Uk quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.