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 the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, and avoid the risk of bunching, which is a serious danger for infants.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your style. You should also ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes for months without fading.

The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to create.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Beware of anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards to prevent gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of 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 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 weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night, so having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress after your child has reached the height of their normal growth, which is usually at around 12 months.

When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The best mattresses did not sink, meaning they have enough support to stop your child from falling off or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that can be machine-washed tots and cots is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they must be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They should also be able to secure themselves so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The right crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When you purchase a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.

In the end, you'll need to purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Also, make sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and a lot include all the equipment you'll need.

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

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular block wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This could trigger an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.