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 rest comfortably from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good 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 choosing one that is in line with your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be 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 spills without wearing out too fast.

The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It includes two sheets made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds usually convert into a toddler bed and occasionally to a daybed or full-size bed, too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others 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 are worried about getting on an unattractive mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

You'll also want to check if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good sign is a certificate from CertiPUR-US that certifies that the mattress's foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other aspects to consider are how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, recommended Cribs coming around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they provide enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the right set of rails that are fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able to be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy They should also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally not be larger 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. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase an infant cot bed guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however other aspects, such as the design of slats, or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best infant cribs cribs feature solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more efficient. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose a risk of choking for babies. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have little space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases in order to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with a system of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks, all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This could trigger an audible warning when they fail. However, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.