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 peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it to a relative and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery cots spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that is firmly fitted and doesn't get clumped into places that could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up without wearing out too fast.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that ensures the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess that your little child is bound to create.

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. Avoid anything that is too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is made from solid wood and features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets the strictest environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and fits comfortably and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child gets out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to consider if the mattress is made up of chemicals that could potentially harm your child. Look for mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which frequently emit a noxious chemical smell. A good sign is a CertiPUR-US certificate, which certifies that the mattress's foam is made without 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.

A few other aspects to consider are how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is ideal for cleaning, since you'll be changing sheets every night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This may be a major issue for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided; some of these come with a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs around 12 months.

We weighed the mattresses and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight which was slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to stop your child from falling off or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a cover that can be machine-washed and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of rails fixed. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight, but not too thin. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The best crib rails will not only be strong, they should also fit snuggly within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially dangerous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The area should be no more than three fingers.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments. They can create the risk of suffocation. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib because they can cause a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and crib sets increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products are made up of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt", which fits around the mattress like the fitted sheet.

You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it hits the crib railings while you're feeding or cradling him or her in bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

You'll need to purchase a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bedcan have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib and its durability. The best crib newborn cribs are constructed of solid wood, meet various safety standards and can be easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more efficient. 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 with ornamental cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Also, be sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts and other items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The Best cot for newborn crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half an hour or less to assemble, and many come with all the tools you'll need.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require additional purchases to complete the conversion.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand however it is essential to ensure security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, Crib Sets all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support 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, stiffer woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.