Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best infant cribs crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from day one. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create the risk of choking your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so 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). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. They can fall off and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying an adjustable crib if you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets 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.

In addition, you'll want to determine if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to 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 certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changing sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most recommended cribs heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.

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

When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded cots and tots moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, Crib Sets removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

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

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

It is also important to ensure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her beside the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready to move into a larger cot bed sales. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

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

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.

Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It is important to know that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.