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

The best cribs include everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a lot of options out there. It's not just about picking one that is in line with your personal style. You should also make sure the sheet is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be a choking hazard for your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand diaper blowouts, spills, and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our favorite sets is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that ensures Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk, which means they won't shrink or stretch after washing, and they're designed to fit on a standard crib mattress (27 1 The blanket's size is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. They're also machine-washable to clean the inevitable mess your child is bound to make.

Another great option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress from spills and stains. Choose mattresses that are less than an inch thick to ensure your child can still breathe easily. And steer clear of things that are too soft or has long ribbons, bows and other ornaments that could be removed and create a strangulation risk.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider 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, whereas other require a purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, made from solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means it meets strict environmental standards for reduced emissions of gas.

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes to a crib mattress. The AAP suggests using a firm mattress that is comfortable and does not leave an impression when you lay a sheet down on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib, and it should stay in place, even after your baby is old enough to leave it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress has substances that could harm your child. You should look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical odor. CertiPUR US certification is a good indicator. It is a certifiable sign that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to consider are the weight of the mattress and whether or not it's waterproof. You'll likely be dealing with nighttime sheet changes So having a surface that is waterproof or wipeable will help with cleaning. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a deal-breaker for certain parents.

Another aspect to be aware of is if the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and the soft toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping your child's mattress when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink and therefore offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the right set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them separately. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They must, Cots4Tots for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also be able to secure themselves to ensure that they are not removed from your child.

The crib rails need to not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming too flimsy, which can be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame since there are slight variations in the size of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails do not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. Consider a crib pad and cover if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. They consist of mattress pads with waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that stretches around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

Finally, you'll need get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your child in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you're feeding him or her or cradling them on the bed. They can also help prevent teeth marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings fixed.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that can be used with all cribs that are standard. It's easy to install and complies with CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are solely aesthetic or subject to personal preference but others--such as the style of slats, or whether the crib can be converted into an infant bed--can have a major impact on ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adapted to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

In general, you should avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other embellishments that could snag on clothes or create a choking risk for children. Also, make sure to inspect the crib hardware regularly for loose bolts or items that could catch on clothing or other objects, and pose the risk of injury.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential parts, such as hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and they come with all of the tools needed.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good choice for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have a limited space. It's important to note that certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

It can be difficult to understand crib hardware, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This may give an audible warning when they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly 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.