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

The best cribs have everything your baby needs to rest comfortably from the first day. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to sit comfortably on the mattress without the risk of bunching, which is a serious safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said she used hers through two children and then passed it on to a friend, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. You should also ensure that the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't get tangled in places that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes over the course of months without fading.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, a non-responsible third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're made to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.

A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. 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. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be transformed into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress is made up of chemicals that may harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It certifies that the foam in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So an easily wipeable or waterproof surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the ones we tested at 20lbs, which may be a turnoff for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. best cots suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the peak of normal growth. This is usually at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than that of a newborn infant, on each mattress to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. A few of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to purchase them separately, look for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets or other hardware. They should be strong enough to hold your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way to ensure that they are not 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 prevent the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of cut-outs with decorative designs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib, since they can contribute to the build-up of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

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

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with all cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets the CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether a crib can be converted into a toddler bed--can have significant impact on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs are constructed from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and can be easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Certain cribs have unique features that make them more effective like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could snag on clothing or other objects and present danger.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the equipment you'll need.

You might also want to consider a convertible crib that can transform into a daybed for toddlers, a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a great purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's crucial for security and stability. The majority of cribs have a system of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and huge chocks, also known as step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims and chocks are made from soft woods that crack slowly, and can give audible warnings prior to failure as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.