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 newborn to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.

One parent tester stated that she had used hers for two babies and then gave it to a friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

The Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet the highest standards of quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your bundle of joy is sure to make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

If you plan to keep your Baby Crib 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 daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that 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 as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They must, for instance 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 able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails must not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, Crib Sets make sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should be no more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or crib sets are subject to personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and a majority include all the equipment you'll need.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler Cot Bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or who have little space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential for safety and stability. Most cribs are equipped with the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available and can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.