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 washable. They are designed to fit snugly on the mattress without getting tangled - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent tester stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it a great option for nurseries with minimalist designs.

Bedding

When it comes to crib bedding, there are plenty of options out there. It's not only about picking the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to ensure that the bedding is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It must also be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up without wearing out too quickly.

One of our favorites is this set from Avocado It comes with two sheets that are made of 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party certification that guarantees the company's textiles meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they don't shrink or 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 to clean the inevitable mess your baby is bound to create.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an additional layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from spills and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything that's too soft or includes long bows, ribbons and other ornaments that could detach and pose 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 converted into a toddler bed, and occasionally even a full-size daybed. Some cribs come with the necessary conversion kits however, others require an additional 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 features one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are worried about reaching down to a low mattress). It's also certified Greenguard Gold, meaning it complies with strict environmental standards for reduced gassing.

Mattress

When it comes to crib mattresses, firmness and size are essential. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and does not leave an indentation on the surface when you place sheets over it. The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib and should remain in place, even after your child has grown out of it.

Additionally, you'll need to be aware of whether the mattress is made up of substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indicator is a certificate from CertiPUR-US, which certifies that the foam used in mattresses is free of Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde Phthalates that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

A few other things to consider include how much weight the mattress is weighing and whether it's waterproof or not. A mattress that is waterproof or able to be cleaned is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the heaviest product we've tested, coming in at 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 soft side for toddlers. Pediatricians suggest flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the peak of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We tested the mattresses by weight and observed how they were able to fold easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each mattress to determine how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink into the mattress this means they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed during sleep or to suffocate. Some of the mattresses we tested have a removable, machine-washable cover that is waterproof and zips shut. This makes cleaning them and maintaining them easier.

Crib Rails

A crib would be incomplete without the correct set of rails fixed. While some baby furniture companies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet the safety standards. They must, for instance be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should be strong enough to withstand your child's weight without being too thin. They should also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails must not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the crib frame. This will keep the mattress from becoming flimsy and potentially hazardous for your child. When you purchase crib rails, be sure to measure the inside of the frame, because there are slight differences in crib sizes. The area should not be larger than three fingers.

You'll also want to make sure the crib rails are free of decorative cut-outs and other adornments, which can be potential suffocation hazards. Avoid placing quilts, pillows blankets, sheepskins and blankets inside the crib. They can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing your baby's SIDS risk. If you're looking to add an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, consider a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products are made up of a mattress pad made of waterproof material and an elongated "skirt", which fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

You'll also need to make sure you have the right crib rail guards. These are designed to protect the head of your child if it hits the crib railings when you feed them or cradling them next to the bed. They can also prevent dental marks and drool staining on the crib's side railings that are fixed.

As your baby grows out of the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to keep your child safe in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can work with all cribs. It's simple to install and is compliant with the CPSC's safety standards.

Crib Hardware

Certain aspects of the crib's design are solely aesthetic or are subject to personal preference, however, other aspects--like the style of slats, or whether the crib converts to an adult bed--can have a significant impact on the ease of use as well as how long the crib will last. The best cribs have solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Certain cribs come with distinct features that make them more effective. For example, the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally, you want to avoid cribs that have decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for children. Examine the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other components that could get caught on objects or clothing.

The top crib sets include simple instructions as well as all the required components, like hardware. Modern cribs typically take half an hour or less to put together and a majority come with all the tools you'll need.

Look into a convertible crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler or full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or who have small space in their homes. It is important to know that some crib conversion kit require additional purchases to complete the process.

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

Some shims or chocks can be made from soft woods that crack slowly. This can give an audible warning before they fail. However, harder woods may break more suddenly and with greater force. Choks and shims made of plastic are also available, which can be easier to install because they do not require drilling or screwing into the surface.