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

The best cot bed cribs come with everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This made it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But choosing the right sheet is more than just selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of diaper blowouts and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which adds an extra layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

You should consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib cot for sale a long period of time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included, but others require an additional purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, 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 also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress 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.

A few other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink and cribs therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When buying crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. They can result in the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

It is also important to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also help prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant cot bed bed--can have a major impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best infant cribs cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special 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.

In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.