Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the very first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.
One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
One of our favorites is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The size of the blanket is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose cot sale that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose the risk of strangulation.
Consider buying a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.
Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.
A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs 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 every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for some parents.
A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to see how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. sale cot should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can cause harm to your baby. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in crib sizes. Ideally, the 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 and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. The products comprise mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Continuing 'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
As your baby grows out of 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 a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some of the crib's design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.
The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be assembled in half an hour or less, and the majority include all the tools required.
You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.