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 beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for minimalist nursery cots designs.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.

One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib cot for sale a long period of time. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not 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.

You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded 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 the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby cots on sale furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs, others offer the rails separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets all safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats 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 as well as its lifespan. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together, and many include all the equipment you'll need.

It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's 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 contact points between crib and the supported surface.

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