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 cheap baby cots to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to make.

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

Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay a sheet over it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby gets out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a nagging issue for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.

The right crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments. They can create the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in 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 sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to find the best cot beds crib rail protectors. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal taste, but others like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create the danger of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and create danger.

The best crib sets (Continued) include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the tools needed.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, best cot bed but it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and Baby Cot the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning before they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.