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 are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably around the mattress, without bunching - a major danger for infants.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two babies and passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

This set from Avocado is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that Avocado's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess your baby will create.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is crib mattress pads that adds a layer of comfort while protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. They can fall off and create an injury to strangulation.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs have the required conversion kits included however, others require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Sleigh crib is among our favorites. It's constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching the mattress from a low position). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress must also be the correct size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby grows out of it.

In addition, you'll want to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. 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 volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it is waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night, so a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we tested, weighing at 20 pounds. This could be a major issue for some parents.

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

When testing crib mattresses, we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling 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 isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. While some baby furniture companies include a set of baby rails with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be strong but they must also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. They can result in the accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

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

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in the bed until they're ready for a big kid bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are only aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, meet numerous safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Most modern cribs take a half-hour or less to assemble, and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib which can transform into daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. It's a good purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure 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're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.