Ten Crib Sets Products That Can Improve Your Life

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

The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a major safety hazard for babies.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than simply choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch 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 blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It comes with two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose a strangulation risk.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits but some require an additional purchase.

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

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.

You should also determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other factors to consider include the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically at around 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 put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best baby cots ones did not sink, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib pad and cover for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for Cots To Tots a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best baby cots cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and create danger.

The top crib sets include simple instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. The majority of modern recommended cribs take half hour or less to put together, and many come with all the tools you'll need.

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

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.