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

The most ideal crib sets have everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress, without bunching. This is a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two babies and passed it on to a friend which makes it a wise purchase. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for small nurseries.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our top picks is this Avocado set, which contains two sheets that are made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or 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 to clean the inevitable mess your little child is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Choose a mattress pad that's less than an inch thick so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These could fall off and create a strangulation hazard.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with necessary conversion kits included however, others require a 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 Greenguard Gold-certified meaning it complies with strict environmental standards to reduce emissions of gas.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place a sheet over it. The mattress should be of the proper size for the crib and should remain in place when your child is out of it.

In addition, you'll want to be aware of whether the mattress is made from chemicals that could be harmful to your child. Choose mattresses that are odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which often emit an unpleasant chemical smell. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses 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.

Other things to consider include how much the mattress carries and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely have to deal with changing sheets at night So a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some come with a firm infant side and a soft toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically around 12 months.

When testing crib mattresses we measured them and observed how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also placed the weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby on each mattress to observe how it reacts. The top mattresses did not sink, which means they offer enough support to prevent your child from falling or being suffocated in bed. Some of the mattresses we tested have an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of rails that are fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet the safety requirements. For Mini Cot Bed , they must 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 secured in a secure way so that they can't be removed from your child.


The crib rails need to not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. Be sure to measure inside the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are slight variations in the crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other ornaments which could be dangers to suffocate your child. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts or sheepskins on the crib, as these can contribute to a dangerous carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby. These products consist of mattress pads with an elongated waterproof lining as well as an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail guards. They are designed to protect your baby's head when it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's fixed side railings.

When your child is no longer in the crib, you'll require a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference however other aspects, such as the design of slats or whether the crib can be converted into an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet numerous safety standards, and are configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have 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 with ornamental cutouts or other designs, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or other objects.

The most effective crib sets come with simple instructions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Most modern cribs can be put together in half an hour or less, and the majority come with all of the tools needed.

Consider a convertible crib which can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. You should be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to grasp, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs have a system of rectangular block, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They're all designed to tighten up contact points between the crib and supported surface.

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning before they fail. However, woods that are more rigid might break more quickly and with greater force. The shims and chocks are made of plastic and can also be purchased. They are simpler to install, as they don't require drilling into the surface.