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 the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit 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 in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a 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 a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on 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.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The best crib newborn mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them on their own. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They must also lock securely into place so they cannot be removed by your child.

The best cots uk crib rails will not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your Baby Cot Bed. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combination. These products consist of a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed railings.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for children. Be certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll require.

You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a great buy for families that plan to keep the crib for a number of years or crib sets who have small space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

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

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.