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 first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. But choosing the right sheet is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You must also find something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that assures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed also. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a purchase.

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

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other aspects to consider are how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing 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 heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs which could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn infant, on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tried have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib is not 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 purchase them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails must not only be sturdy, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your Baby Cot Bed. When purchasing crib rails, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The area should be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They could pose the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy build-up of carbon dioxide and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination cots to tots provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress in the same way as the fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect your baby's head if it happens to hit the crib railings while feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also stop teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its lifespan. The best cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more useful. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk for infants. Be certain to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the necessary components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half-hour or less to put together, tots and cots a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs have an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims and chocks are made of soft woods which crack slow, which may provide audible warnings before they fail as more robust wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks can also be purchased. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.