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 sleep peacefully from the first day. They're pre-shrunk, machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching - a serious safety risk for infants.

One parent testigator said she used hers through two children and then passed it to a relative which makes it a wise purchase. Its sleek design makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.

Bedding

There are a lot of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. It's not only about picking a pattern that matches your style. You also want to ensure that the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't gather in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spit up and other messes over the course of months without fading.

One of our favorites is this Avocado set that includes two sheets made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. This is an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's products meet stringent standards for safety and quality. They're pre-shrunk to ensure they don't shrink or stretch after washing, and are designed to fit a standard crib mattress (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess that your little bundle of joy is sure to make.

Another great option for newborns and toddlers is a crib mattress pad, that adds a layer of comfort and protects the mattress from spills and staining. Choose a mattress cover that is less than one-inch thick to allow your child to breathe. And steer clear of anything that's too fluffy or has long ribbons, bows and other adornments that could be removed and create the risk of strangulation.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, consider buying a convertible crib. These beds typically convert into a toddler bed and sometimes to a full-size or daybed, too. Some cribs include the conversion kits, while others require a separate purchase.

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

Mattress

Size and firmness are essential when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm which fits snugly, and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place the sheet over it. The mattress must also be the proper size for the crib, and it should stay in place even after your child grows out of it.

It is also important to determine whether the mattress has chemicals that may harm your child. Choose mattresses that are odorless and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. CertiPUR US certification is a good sign. It confirms that the foam used in the mattress is free of ozone depleters as well as other harmful chemicals.

Other things to think about include how much the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. You'll likely be dealing with changes to sheets at night and a waterproof or wipeable surface will help with cleaning. 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 some parents.

Another important thing to consider is whether the mattress is dual-sided. Some have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress after your child is at the peak of their normal growth, usually around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also placed an 8-pound weight, slightly heavier than a newborn, on each one to observe how much it recoiled. The most comfortable mattresses did not sink, which means they have enough support to keep your child from falling over or suffocating in bed. The mattresses we tested had a removable cover that can be machine-washed and is water-proof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them a breeze.

Crib Rails

A crib is not complete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies offer baby rails with the crib, others offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, search for ones that meet the safety requirements. They must, for instance have no missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able support the weight of your child without being too fragile. They should also lock securely in place so that they can't be removed from your child.

The crib rails should not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will prevent the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, make sure to take measurements of the inside of the frame as there are slight variations in crib sizes. The ideal space should be no more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails do not contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They could pose a suffocation risk. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These can cause an unintentional accumulation of carbon dioxide increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. Consider a crib cover and pad combination if you want a soft sleeping surface for your baby. The products comprise mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress like an fitted sheet.

You'll also want to make sure you have the correct crib rail guards. These are designed to cushion your baby's head in the event that it happens to hit the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him or her on the bed. They can also stop dental marks and drool staining on the crib's railings on the sides that are fixed.

You'll need a toddler guardrail once your child outgrows their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they're ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that will work with all cribs. It's easy to set up and is compliant with the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are purely aesthetic and subject to individual preference, while others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed -could have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib and its durability. The most durable cribs are made from solid wood, and meet various safety standards and are easily adjusted to various mattress heights. Some cribs feature distinct features that make them more useful. For Cots to tots example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to change the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs or other ornaments that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk for infants. Also, make certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other objects that could get caught on clothing or other objects, tots and cots pose danger.

The best crib for newborn crib sets come with simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half hour or less to put together and a lot come with all the equipment you'll need.

Consider a convertible crib which can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed 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 a limited space. It's important to note that some crib conversion kits require additional items to fully complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit tricky to understand but it's vital for safety and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks, wedges (also known as "shims") and big chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to secure the contact points between the crib and its support surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide audible warnings prior to failure, while stiffer wooden materials can break up suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, and are easier to install because they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.