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 day one. They're pre-shrunk and machine washable and designed to fit snugly around the mattress without bunching--a major safety hazard for babies.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two babies and passed it to a relative, making it a smart purchase. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.

Bedding

There are a lot of options when it comes to crib bedding. It's not just about picking a pattern that matches your aesthetic. It is also important to ensure that the bedding is tightly fitted and doesn't bunch up in areas that could create the risk of choking your child. It should be soft and durable to withstand blowouts from diapers, spills, and other messes for months without wearing out.

One of our top rated cots picks is this set from Avocado, which contains two sheets made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and MADE SAFE-certified. It's an independent third-party verification that guarantees Avocado's fabrics meet strict standards for safety and quality. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink and stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). They're also machine washable for the inevitable mess your little bundle of joy is sure to create.

Another great crib option for infants and toddlers is crib mattress pads, that adds a layer of comfort while also protecting the mattress against accidents and stains. Look for mattresses that are less than an inch thick so your child can still breathe easily. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long ribbons, bows and other adornments. They can fall off and create a strangulation hazard.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want to keep your baby in the crib for a long period of time. They typically convert to a toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size beds or a daybed, Most recommended cribs too. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas others require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and has one of the taller mattress heights in the group (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a mattress that's low). It's also Greenguard Gold-certified meaning an be washed and removed that is waterproof and zips closed. This makes cleaning and maintaining them simpler.

Crib Rails

A crib isn't complete without the proper set of fixed rails. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to purchase them on their own, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They must also be able to support the weight of your child, but not be too fragile. They must also be secured in a secure way so they are not able to be removed by your child.

The crib rails should not only be strong, but also fit snugly within the frame of the crib. This will stop the mattress from becoming too fragile and potentially hazardous for your child. Be sure to measure the width of the crib frame prior to purchasing a crib rail. There are some slight differences in the sizes of cribs. The dimensions should be no wider than three fingers.

It is also important to make sure the crib rails are devoid of cut-outs with decorative designs and other ornaments, which can be potential dangers to suffocate your child. Avoid placing pillows, quilts, blankets and sheepskins inside the crib. These can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS in your child. If you want to include an extra soft surface for sleeping in the crib, try a crib pad-and-cover combination. These products consist of a waterproof mattress pad and an elongated "skirt" that fits around the mattress just like a fitted sheet.

You'll also want to ensure that you have the proper crib rail guards. These are specifically designed to cushion your baby's head when it hits the crib railings when you're feeding or cradling him/her her in bed. They can also help prevent dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's fixed railings.

Once your infant outgrows the crib, you'll need a toddler guard rail to ensure your child's safety in the crib until they're ready to move on to a bigger bed for their child. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's simple to install and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Some crib design features are purely aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the design of the slats on the crib or whether it can be converted into a toddler bed -can have a major impact on the ease of use of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood, comply with various safety standards and are easily configured to different mattress heights. Some cribs feature special features that make them more efficient. For example the Quick Zip Crib Sheet lets you replace the sheets without having to remove the entire mattress.

Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations that could snag on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Also, be certain to check the crib's hardware regularly for loose bolts or other items that could catch on clothing or other objects and create a hazard.

The most effective crib sets come with easy-to-follow directions 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 tools you'll need.

Think about a convertible crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size mattress. It's a good purchase for families who plan to keep the crib for many years or have a limited space in their homes. Be aware that certain crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

Crib hardware can be a bit difficult to grasp but it's vital to ensure security and stability. Most cribs come with a system consisting of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and massive chocks referred to as step chocks. They're all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.

Some shims and chocks may be made of soft woods, which break slowly. This may give an audible warning prior to when they fail. However, woods that are more rigid can break more rapidly and with greater force. Plastic shims or chocks are also available for purchase. They are much easier to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.