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 rest comfortably from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (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 will make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cheap cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. 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). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if 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. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually about 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top rated cots mattresses did not sink, crib sets meaning 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 shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails along with the crib, others 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 missing or 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 in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.

The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments which could be suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more useful like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or create the danger of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best cot beds crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll need.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. It's a good buy for families that plan to keep the crib for several years or who have limited space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "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 are made from soft woods that crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.