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

The best cots for newborns crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a variety of options available. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink 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 are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your baby will create.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall 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 beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.

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

Mattress

When it concerns great crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place even after your child has grown out of it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a nagging issue for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually 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 a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and crib sets maintaining them even easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of Baby Cot rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety standards. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib pad and cover to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings 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 the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are 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 lifespan. The best crib newborn cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more useful. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The best crib sets (play.pxopro.com) come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, like hardware. Modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.