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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than simply picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits tightly and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib bed (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to make.

A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits, but others 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 comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and remain in place even when your child is out of it.

You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that may harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the ones we tested at 20 pounds that could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, usually at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their cot bed sales during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs, others offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. These can pose an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the cot bed sales. They can also prevent 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 safely in the crib until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or crib sets dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant influence on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For instance, 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 that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together and many come with all the tools you'll require.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to remember that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure safety and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.