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 day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a significant safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create an choking risk to your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for months without fading.

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 are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't stretch or shrink after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle is likely to make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to let your child breathe. And steer clear 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.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These mini cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, or even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included but some require an additional purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed 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 complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

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

Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made from 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 foam used in a mattress is free of 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.

Other things to consider include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the selection we tested at 20lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and Baby cot online zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib is not 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, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from being too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, Mini Cotbed blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your Baby Cot's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them 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.

You'll need an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and are subject to individual preference, while others -- like the style of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or other objects.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the equipment you'll need.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, stiffer woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.