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 soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it an ideal choice for small nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing a pattern that matches your personal style. You should also ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills, and other messes for a long time without wearing out.

This Avocado set is one of our favorites. It includes two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The fabrics are MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third-party certification that assures that Avocado's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. 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). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your little baby is bound to create.

A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that can be removed and create a strangulation risk.

Consider buying an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your child in the crib for a long period of time. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to full-size mini cot beds or a daybed as well. Some cribs come with the required conversion kits included, but 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 features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who worry about reaching an unattractive mattress). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. 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 should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place even when your child is out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Find a mattress that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the mattress's foam is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to think about include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable 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 bunch we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some include a firm side for infants and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it responded. The most effective mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some cribs for babies include a set of baby rails with their cribs and others sell them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, 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 becoming too fragile. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The right crib rails will not only be sturdy They should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails don't include any cutouts with decorative designs or other adornments. They could pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, as these can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combo. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an oversized sheet.

Finally, you'll need purchase the appropriate crib rail guards. These are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens cots to tots hit the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him/her her on the bed. They can also stop the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's fixed side railings.

You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in the crib until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with the majority of cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib 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 influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed of solid wood, comply with numerous safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more effective. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Also, make sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.

The most effective crib sets, how you can help, come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the necessary tools.

You may also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great crib option for families who intend to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the connections between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials may break suddenly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available, and can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.