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 peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. It is also important to ensure that the sheet fits tightly and does not get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It comes with two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that 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 also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Find a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

You should consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. 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 among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). 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 suggests using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and remain in place when your child is out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up 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 odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes So a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually at 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 put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it responded. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to stop your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tried have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the right set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell the rails separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The best cot beds crib rails will not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally not be larger than three fingers.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations which could be dangers for suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the crib until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on personal preference, however other features -- like the design of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet multiple safety regulations and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs have distinct features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or Baby Cot objects.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together, and a majority come with all the tools you'll require.

Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure security and stability. Most cribs beds feature a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also called "shims"), cheap Cots and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.