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 soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.
One tester for parents said that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.
One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict 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 on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Select best crib newborn that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.
A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.
Mattress
Firmness and size are important when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly 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 even when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, 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.
Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is ideal for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.
A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. cot bed sales suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.
The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. best crib for newborn consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.
It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with multiple safety regulations and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Also, be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled in a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.
Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for a number of years or have a little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.
It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.
Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.