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 sleep soundly from day one. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies, and then gave it to a friend. This makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are plenty 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 be in line with your preferences. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for a long time without fading.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink 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 that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.

A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can detach and pose the risk of strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

You should also determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good indicator is a CertiPUR US certificate, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to think about include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn Baby beds on each mattress to see how it responded. The Best cot for newborn mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to hold your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other adornments. They could pose an suffocation threat. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your Baby Crib's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to 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 as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others like the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and they include all the tools needed.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.