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

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to rest comfortably from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major safety risk for babies.

One tester for parents said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for minimalist nurseries.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options available. It's not only about picking one that is in line with your style. You also want to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers spills and other messes for months without wearing out.

This Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets made with 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, an independent third-party certification that assures that the products of the company meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib bed (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets are machine washable to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a great option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid things that are too soft or is adorned with long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

Consider buying a convertible crib if you intend to keep your baby in the crib for a long time. These small cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 sleigh crib is one of our favorites. It's made of solid wood and comes with 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 also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce 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 lay the sheet over it. The mattress must also be of the right size for the crib, and it should remain in place--even after your baby grows out of it.

It is also important to determine if the mattress contains chemicals that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate that certifies that the foam used in a mattress is free of 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.

Other aspects to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with changing sheets at night So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will make cleaning easier. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming in at 20 lbs. This could be a major issue for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress once they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically about 12 months old.

When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how much it recoiled. The most effective mattresses did not sink into the mattress and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib would not be complete without the right set of fixed rails. Some furniture companies for babies provide baby rails with the crib. Others offer them separately. If you decide to purchase them separately, look for ones that meet all of the safety requirements. For instance, they should be free of any missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be sturdy enough to support your child's weight without being too thin. They should also secure themselves in place so that they are not able to be removed by your child.

The best cot newborn crib rails will not only be sturdy, they should be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming flimsy, which can be unsafe for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to measure the inside of the frame, as there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

It is also important to ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs for decorative purposes and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing pillows, quilts blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. These can cause the buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, consider a crib pad-and-cover combination. The products comprise a mattress pad with a waterproof lining and a fitted "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your baby when it comes into contact with the crib railings as you feed them or cradling them beside the bed. They can also help 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 the bed until they're ready to move on to an adult bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that works with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets all CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, but others--such as the style of slats or whether the crib converts to an infant bed--can have a major influence on the ease of use and the length of time the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, comply with various safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some have unique features that make them more effective such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to change sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that can catch on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary parts, including hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to assemble, and many come with all the equipment you'll need.

It is also possible to think about a convertible crib that can transform into daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. This is a good choice for families who plan to use the crib for many years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the conversion.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it is crucial for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and large chocks, also known as step chocks. They are all designed to tighten the contact points between crib and the surface that supports it.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail as more robust wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are easier to install since they don't require drilling into the surface.