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

The best crib sets come with everything you require for your baby to sleep soundly from the beginning. They're machine washable, pre-shrunk and designed to fit tightly around the mattress without bunching--a serious safety risk for infants.

One tester for parents said that she used hers for two babies and then passed it on to another friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it a good option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

When it concerns crib bedding, there are a variety of options out there. But choosing the right sheet is more than simply selecting a cute pattern that will fit your style. You also want something that fits tightly and doesn't bunch up in places where it could pose a danger of suffocation for your baby. It must be soft and sturdy enough to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills and other messes over the course of months without wearing out.

One of our favorites is this set from Avocado that includes two sheets that are made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified, an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk so 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 child is bound to make.

A crib mattress pad is another great option for babies and toddlers. It provides an additional layer of comfort and shields the mattress from spills and stains. Find mattress pads that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy, or with long ribbons, bows, and other adornments. These could fall off and best crib pose the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in the crib for a considerable amount of time, think about buying a convertible crib. These cot beds for sale can be transformed into a toddler Mini Cot Bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

Some of our top cribs are this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and comes with one of the highest mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a mattress that's low). We love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

When it concerns crib mattresses, firmness and size are crucial. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that fits comfortably and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you put the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the proper size for the crib and it should they provide enough support to keep your child from falling out of bed while they sleep or drowning. A few of the mattresses we tested come with covers that can be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib and others sell them on their own. If you opt to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. They should, for instance have no loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should be strong enough to support your child's weight but not be too thin. They should also be able be secured in a secure way so that they cannot be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong and sturdy, but they should also fit within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame because there are slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The ideal space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, you should ensure that the crib rails are free of cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations, which can be potential suffocation hazards. It is also recommended to avoid putting pillows blankets, blankets, quilts, and sheepskins in the crib since they can contribute to an unhealthy carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. Consider a crib cover and pad combination to provide a comfortable sleeping mattress for your baby. These products consist of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress in the same way as an fitted sheet.

It is also important to make sure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion the head of your child if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the bed. They also help prevent teeth marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child outgrows their crib. This will ensure they are safe in their bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with most standard cribs. It's easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Some aspects of crib design are only aesthetic or are dependent on personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts into a toddler bed--can have significant influence 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 easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For instance, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.

You should avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or other embellishments, as they could snag on clothing or create the risk of choking infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other components that could snag on objects or clothing.

The best crib sets come with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required components including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the tools you'll need.

You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This can be a smart purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have little space in their homes. Be aware that some crib conversion kit require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential to ensure security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks as well as wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some shims or chocks could be made of soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available and are easier to install since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.