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 beginning. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a significant safety risk for babies.

One parent testigator said that she had used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a different friend. This makes it a good investment. Baby Cot streamlined design also makes it a great option for minimalist nursery designs.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a lot of options available. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet fits tightly and does not gather in areas where it could pose an choking risk to your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up spills without wearing out too fast.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine-washable for the inevitable mess your baby is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is another ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Select a mattress cover that is less than 1 inch thick so that your child can breathe. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long bows, ribbons or other ornaments. These could fall off and pose an injury to strangulation.

Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. Baby beds convert into a toddler bed and sometimes, to a daybed or full-size bed also. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits included, but others require a purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made 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 meets stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are important. The AAP recommends using a mattress that is firm and is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place even after your child is old enough to leave it.

You should also determine whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) which release an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR-US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. It's likely that you'll be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is the heaviest of the bunch we tested at 20 lbs, which may be a nagging issue for some parents.

A dual-sided mattress may have one side that is firm for infants and a soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping your child's mattress when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically 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 placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn on each one to see how it reacted. The most effective mattresses did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of rails fixed. Some baby furniture companies offer baby rails in 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 have no loose or missing screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. 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 sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame when buying the crib rail. There are some slight differences in the crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, you can try a crib pad-and-cover combo. These products consist of a mattress pad with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that wraps over the mattress, much like an fitted sheet.

Lastly, you'll want to find the best crib rail guards. They are designed to protect the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safely in their bed until they're ready for a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features -- such as the style of the slats that are on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its lifespan. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are adaptable to various mattress heights. Some cribs have unique features which make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories because they could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking infants. Also, be sure to inspect the crib's hardware frequently for loose bolts and other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, and pose a hazard.

The best crib sets have simple instructions that are easy to follow and all the necessary parts including hardware. The majority of modern cribs take half-hour or less to put together, and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that could transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who intend to keep the crib for several years or have a limited space in their homes. It's important to note, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

It can be difficult to comprehend crib hardware, but it is crucial to ensure safety and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also known as "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up connections between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims or chocks can 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. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.