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

The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for small nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. It's not just about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts from diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

This Avocado set is one of our favorite. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 cots 4 tots inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to clean up the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress from accidents and crib Sets stains. Look for mattress pads that are less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. They can fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

Consider buying 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 occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits included but some require a separate 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 who worry about reaching a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, which means it meets strict environmental standards to reduce off gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm, fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby gets out of it.

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

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it is waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning since you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the largest of the bunch we tested at 20lbs that could be a problem for some parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put the weight of 8 pounds, slightly heavier than that of a newborn baby, on each mattress to see how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, meaning they offer enough support to keep your child from falling or suffocating in bed. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them much easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others sell them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, make sure they meet all safety standards. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When buying a crib rail, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should be no 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 ornaments. These can pose a suffocation risk. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, an elongated waterproof lining as well as a fitted "skirt" that stretches around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the proper crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need a toddler railing once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or otherwise subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts into an infant bed--can have a major impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best rated cribs cribs feature solid wood construction, comply with numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to take off the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for infants. Also, be sure to check the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or objects that could snag on clothing or other objects, and pose danger.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be assembled within a half-hour or less, and most come with all the necessary tools.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib which can transform into a toddler bed, Nursery cots daybed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a little space in their homes. You should be aware that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and the 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 can break up suddenly and with more force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be installed more easily since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.