What Is It That Makes Crib Sets So Popular? Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best crib sets include everything you need for your infant to rest comfortably from day one. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.

One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little baby is bound to make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in a mattress is made without 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 things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth. This is typically about 12 months.


We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The best ones did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be sturdy and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. best crib for newborn consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to get the right crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and present the risk of injury.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools required.

You may also want 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 choice for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.