Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.
One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.
Bedding
When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't bunch into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.
This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.
Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for tots and cots that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.
You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. tots and cots is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for some parents.
A mattress with two sides may have a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.
We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The best ones did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of the mattress while sleeping or suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.
Crib Rails
A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell the rails separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for example, be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.
The crib rails should not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The dimensions should not be larger than three fingers.
Also, make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.
You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether a crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.
Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.
The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.
Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.
It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.
cots 4 tots and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.