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

The best rated cribs crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent testigator said that she used hers for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This made it a good investment. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But picking the right one is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't clump up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk so they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (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 that your little baby is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. These could fall off and create an injury to strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These small cot beds usually convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a purchase.

Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 sleigh-style crib, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to prevent off gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and 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 after your child grows out of it.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses cots and tots then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it responded. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to prevent your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib, others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of the crib. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination for a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are purely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on clothing or other objects.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most include all the tools required.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.