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 rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.

One tester for sale Cot parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nursery designs.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're designed to fit 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 child is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam 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's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

When testing 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 tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no more than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

Once your infant cot bed outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby Cot Bed has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler cheap cot bed -could have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cots for newborns cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet various safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking babies. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and they include all the tools required.

Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or full-size mattress. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have small space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.