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 first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator said that she used it through two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery designs.

Bedding

There are many options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas that could create an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

One of our favorite sets is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to remove the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits snugly and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place--even after your baby grows out of it.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. A good cribs indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a problem for certain parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they could fold and move to dress the sides with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. The mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer Baby Cot rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. They should, for instance, be free of loose or missing screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong They should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing the crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The dimensions should be no more than three fingers.

Also, you should make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs or other decorations which could be suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows blankets, Affordable Cots blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combination. The products comprise an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need find the best crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her beside the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with the majority of cribs. It is simple to install and meets the 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 on the crib or whether it converts into a toddler bedcould have a significant impact on the comfort of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet multiple safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs have special features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking infants. Also, make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects and present a hazard.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together and many include all the tools you'll require.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

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

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.