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

The best cribs come with everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.

One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to match your aesthetic; you must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump into places that could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don'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 remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. best infant cribs adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

You should consider buying a convertible crib if want to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others 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 has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.

It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress 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.

A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. 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 certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs 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 a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.


Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell 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, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially risky for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.

It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations that could pose dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent dental 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 need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the necessary tools.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or 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. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.