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

The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.

One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a good cribs investment. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing one that is in line with your style. You also want to make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.

The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on 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 create.

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with bows, long ribbons and other adornments. These can come off and pose an injury to strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place, even after your child grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides 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 top mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby cot online rails with their cribs however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for example be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. These can pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most recommended cribs standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and subject to personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its longevity. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and many come with all the equipment you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from 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 and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.