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 peacefully from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your personal style. You also want to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and Best Cots Uk MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These can come off and pose the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These small cot beds typically convert to a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed, too. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are important. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of 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 include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is better for crib sets cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This may be a problem for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails in the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, Crib Sets but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combination. These products are made up of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings as you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others like the style of the slats on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, affordable Cots and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.

The best rated cribs crib sets include simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and can be easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.