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 first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a good choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than just picking a cute pattern to fit your style. You must also find something that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped up in places where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.

One of our favorites is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can breathe easily. Beware of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

Consider buying a convertible crib if intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and occasionally to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs come with required conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.

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

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put sheets over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters and other harmful chemicals.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is ideal for cleaning, because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the selection we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn Baby beds on each mattress to see how it responded. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling over or being suffocated in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the right set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too flimsy. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally be no wider than three fingers.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are devoid of decorative cut-outs or other decorations that could pose dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting 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're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, you can try a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to purchase the appropriate crib rail protectors. They are designed to cushion your baby's head if it hits the crib railings while feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need an infant guardrail when your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are based on individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its durability. The best cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some have special features that make them more efficient, such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or pose the risk of choking babies. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs beds typically take half hour or Cot Bed less to put together, and many come with all the tools you'll require.

It is also possible to consider a convertible crib that 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 many years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind that some crib conversion kits require additional purchases cots to tots complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for safety and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all of which are designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials may break suddenly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they do not require drilling into the surface.