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 are pre-shrunk and washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to match your aesthetic; you need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't get clumped into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our favorite cot sets is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're 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 get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which adds an extra layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These mini cot beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require an extra purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.

Mattress

Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even when your child is out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Find mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night and an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a problem 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 recommend flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or getting suffocated. A few of the mattresses we tested have covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you decide to purchase the rails separately, ensure that they meet the safety standards. They should, for example be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other adornments. They can create the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended cribs to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib as these can contribute to a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the right crib rail guards. They are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also can help avoid the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase an infant guardrail when your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary components including hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in a half-hour or less, and most come with all of the necessary tools.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a small space in their homes. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, which are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.