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 the first day. They are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major danger for infants.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. It is also important to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes for a long time without fading.

This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from accidents and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

Some of our top cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your cheap baby cots is old enough to leave it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from substances that could harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign 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.

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. It's likely that you'll be dealing with nighttime sheet changes, so an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This could be a problem for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to determine how it reacts. The best mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to keep your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. These can pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. The products comprise a mattress pad with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them next to the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby Cot Bed cots offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are only aesthetic and subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cots cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create danger.

The best crib sets come with simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the equipment you'll need.

You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for a number of years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be tricky to understand but it's vital for security and stability. The majority of cribs have the rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to snug up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.