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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without getting tangled - a major safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to a different friend. This made it a good investment. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't clump up in places where it could pose a danger 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 wearing out.

This set from Avocado is one of our favorite. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of things that are too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed as well. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably 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 should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is better for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20 lbs which could be a turnoff for certain parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually about 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 an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how much it recoiled. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of Baby beds rails along with the crib however, some offer the rails separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They should, for instance have no 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 able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The best crib newborn crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could cause harm to your baby. When buying a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments that could pose suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress like the fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings while you're feeding him or her or cradling them beside the cot bed sales. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

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

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more useful, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on clothing or other objects.

The top crib sets include simple instructions and all the necessary components, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the tools needed.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.

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

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.