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 newborn to sleep peacefully from the beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a major safety hazard for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot 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 aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS 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. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they won'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 your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cheap cot beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate 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 has one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that is low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you lay sheets over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a positive sign. It confirms that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changes to sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the selection we tested at 20 pounds which could be a nagging issue 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 advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound tin, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves in place so that they cannot be removed by your child.

The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially risky for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These could cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your Baby Cot Bed's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

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

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The best good cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards, and can be easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature unique features which make them more useful. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs with ornamental cutouts or other designs that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the necessary parts, such as hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to put together and a lot include all the tools you'll require.

It is also possible to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed, or full-size bed. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It's important to note, though, Baby beds that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp however it is essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.