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

The best crib (content) sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep peacefully from day one. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester said she used hers through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nurseries.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not bunch up in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to get rid of the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

Another great crib option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could detach and pose the risk of strangulation.

Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These cheap cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the right size for the crib and remain in place even after your child grows out of it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It is a certifiable sign that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

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 and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming at 20 pounds. This could be a problem for some parents.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. The mattresses we tested had a cover that is machine washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide cheap baby cots rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for example have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially dangerous for your child. When buying crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like the fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings while you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most recommended cribs standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely 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 influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more effective, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments because they could get caught on clothing or create a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib cot sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and a majority include all the tools you'll require.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the supported surface.

Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.