You'll Never Guess This Crib Sets's Secrets

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

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies, and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a good investment. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for small nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without fading.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes 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 assures that the products of the company are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit 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 little bundle is likely to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should 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 if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The best cot bed crib rails will not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

It is also important to ensure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. 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

Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have distinct features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great crib purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.