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

The best crib sets include everything you need for your newborn to sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator said that she had used it for two babies, and then passed it on to a different friend. This made it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great choice for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

There are many options to choose from when it comes down to crib bedding. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your style. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't get tangled in places where it could pose an choking risk to your child. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to stand up to months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too quickly.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't stretch or shrink after washing, and they're made to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed in the machine to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle will make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, which provides an additional layer of comfort and protects the mattress against accidents and stains. Choose mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child can breathe easily. Beware of anything that's too fluffy or includes long bows, ribbons and other adornments that can become detached and pose a strangulation risk.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size or daybed. Some cribs have the necessary conversion kits, but others require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our top picks. It's constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are worried about getting on the mattress from a low position). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to prevent off-gassing.

Mattress


Firmness and size are important when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress should be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to determine if the mattress is made of chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Find mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to consider are the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night and having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the most heavy of the ones we tested at 20 lbs that could be a turnoff for some parents.

A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This usually occurs about 12 months old.

When we tested crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how easily they folded and maneuvered to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The top mattresses did not sink in and therefore provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the correct set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails as part of the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too flimsy. They should also be able lock securely in place so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy but they must also fit snuggly within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you measure the crib frame before purchasing a crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of the crib. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create a suffocation risk. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing your baby's SIDS risk. Try a crib cover-and-pad combo if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of an upholstered mattress pad, a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an oversized sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the correct crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the baby's head when it comes into contact with the crib railings while you feed them or cradling them on the bed. online cots can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child is no longer in their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however, other aspects--like the style of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories that could catch on clothing or pose the danger of choking babies. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts, as well as other items that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. The majority of modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and most include all the tools needed.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a daybed, toddler or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families that plan to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it's essential for security and stability. The majority of cribs are made up consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods might break more quickly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install since they do not require drilling into the surface.