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

The best infant cribs crib sets come with everything you need for your newborn to sleep peacefully from the first day. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to be able to sit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent tester said that she used it through two babies and then passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for smaller nursery spaces.

Bedding

When it is time to choose a crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. However, picking the right bedding is more than just choosing a cute design to fit your style. You also want something that fits snugly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It is important to choose a soft and durable material to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our top picks is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets made from 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is 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 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 to clean up the inevitable mess your little bundle will make.

A crib mattress pad is a ideal option for babies and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Choose a mattress cover which is less than one-inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with bows, long ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for quite some time, think about buying a convertible crib. These beds can be converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require an extra purchase.

A few of our most-loved cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib that is sleigh-style, constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the taller mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We love that it's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards to reduce off-gassing.

Mattress

When it is about crib mattresses, firmness and sizing are essential. The AAP recommends a firm mattress that fits comfortably and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet down 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 if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that emit an unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It certifies that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other factors to consider include the mattress's weight and whether or not it's waterproof. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets at night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.

A mattress that has two sides could have a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This usually occurs at around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how easily they folded to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put a weight of 8 pounds which is slightly heavier than the weight of a newborn baby, on each mattress to determine how it reacted. The top mattresses did not sink into the mattress this means they offer enough support to protect your child from falling out of the bed while they sleep or drowning. Some of the mattresses we tested come with an easily washable, removable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without a set of fixed rails. Some baby cots online furniture companies offer cheap baby cots for sale rails as part of the crib. Others sell them separately. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets, or other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely into place so they can't be taken away by your child.

The best crib rails will not only be sturdy but they must be able to fit snugly into the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming fragile and could be hazardous for your child. When purchasing a crib rail, be sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in the sizes of cribs. The space should ideally be no more than three fingers.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. You should also avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins on the crib, since they can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to provide a soft sleeping surface in the crib, try a crib pad and cover combination. These are comprised of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet.

Finally, you'll need find the best crib for newborn crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby in the event that it falls on the crib railings when you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help to prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

You'll have to purchase an infant guardrail when your child has outgrown 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 can be used with all cribs that are standard. It is simple to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some of the crib's design features are only aesthetic and are subject to personal preference, however other features like the design of the slats that are on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its lifespan. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily adjustable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs come with unique features that make them more efficient like the Quick Zip Crib Sheet that allows you to swap the sheets without taking the entire mattress from the crib.

In general, you should avoid cribs with ornamental cut-outs or other ornaments which could get caught on clothes or pose a choking risk for children. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions and all the essential components, including hardware. Modern cribs can be put together within a half-hour or less, and the majority include all the tools needed.

Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. This is a great option for families that plan to utilize the crib for a long period of years or have limited space. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some crib conversion kits require a second purchase to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend but it's vital for security and stability. Most cribs are equipped with an arrangement of rectangular blocks, Cheap cots wedges (also known as "shims"), and huge chocks, also known as step chocks. They're all designed to ensure that contact points are secure between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are made from soft woods that break slowly, and can give audible warnings before they fail, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with more force. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.