Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best cribs include everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent tester stated that she had used it for two babies and then gave it to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

There are many choices when it comes to crib bedding. But picking the right one is more than choosing a cute design to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas where it could be a risk of suffocation for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 The size of the blanket 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 is likely to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress from spills and staining. Look for a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included however, others require an additional 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 worried about reaching a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP suggests using a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should stay in place--even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US which confirms that the mattress's foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and cots4tots.co.uk volatile organic compounds.

Other aspects to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with nighttime sheet changes and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these include a firm side for infants and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress when your child is at the peak of their normal growth, which is usually about 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses, we examined their weight and how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed a weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tried have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib, others offer them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any 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 be able to be secured in a secure way so they can't be taken away by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in the size of cribs. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. Avoid placing pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. These can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to provide a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These are comprised of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready to move on to a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with most standard cribs. It is simple to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are purely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether a crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards, and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs come with unique features which make them more effective. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

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

You may also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart buy for families that plan to keep the crib for many years or have small space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up of rectangular blocks wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, since they don't require drilling into the surface.