Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One
The best cribs have everything your baby needs to be comfortable from the first day. They are pre-shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit comfortably on the mattress without bunching - a major danger for infants.
One tester for parents said that she had used it for two babies and then passed it on to a friend. This makes it a smart buy. Its sleek design makes it an excellent option for nursery spaces that are minimalist.
Bedding
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes down to bedding for your crib. It's not just about choosing the right pattern that fits your aesthetic. You also want to make sure the sheet is fitted tightly and doesn't bunch up in areas that could be the risk of choking your child. It should also be soft to the touch and durable enough to withstand months of diaper blowouts and spit-up, without deteriorating too quickly.
This set from Avocado is one of our favorites. It contains two sheets made of 100% certified organic GOTS cotton. The sheets are MADE SAFE certified, which is an independent third-party certification that guarantees that the company's products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to ensure that they don't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit on a standard crib (27 1 The blanket's dimensions is 4 inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. The blankets can be washed in the machine to remove the inevitable mess that your baby will create.
A crib mattress pad is a excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort, and also protects the mattress from accidents and stains. Choose a mattress cover which is less than 1 inch thick to let your child breathe. Avoid anything too fluffy or with long bows, ribbons, and other adornments. These could fall off and pose the risk of strangulation.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you plan to keep your child in the crib for a long time. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a full-size daybed. Some cribs include the conversion kits, whereas others require a purchase.
This Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 crib is one of our top picks. It's made of solid wood and has one of the highest mattress heights (for parents worried about reaching the mattress from a low position). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.
Mattress
Size and firmness are crucial when it comes down to a crib mattress. The AAP recommends a mattress that is firm that is comfortable and doesn't leave an indentation on the surface when you lay the sheet over it. The mattress should also be the correct size for the crib and it should stay in place even after your child gets out of it.
You'll also want to check if the mattress contains substances that could harm your child. Look for a mattress free of volatile organic compound (VOCs), which emits an unpleasant chemical odor. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in a mattress is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs and TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.
A few other things to think about include how much the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A waterproof or wipeable surface is more suitable for cleaning because you'll be changing sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the largest product we've tested, coming around 20 lbs. This could be a deal-breaker for certain parents.
A mattress with two sides may have an infant side that is firm and a softer side for toddlers. Pediatricians recommend flipping the mattress once your child reaches the height of their normal growth, which is usually around 12 months.
When testing crib mattresses, we weighed them and looked at how they folded and moved to dress the sides 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, meaning they offer enough support to stop your child from falling over or getting suffocated. Some of the mattresses that we tested had a removable cover that was machine-washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them even easier.
Crib Rails
A crib would be incomplete without the proper set of rails fixed. While some furniture companies for babies include a set of baby rails along with the crib however, some offer them separately. If you choose to buy them separately, make sure they meet all safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too flimsy. They must also be secured in a secure way so they cannot be removed by your child.
The crib rails you choose should not only be sturdy, they should also fit comfortably within the crib frame. This will stop the mattress from being too fragile, which could be unsafe for your child. Make sure you measure the crib frame prior to purchasing the crib rail. There are a few slight variations in the sizes of cribs. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

You should also make sure that the crib rails don't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing pillows, blankets, quilts and sheepskins in the crib, because they can cause the carbon dioxide build-up and increase the risk of SIDS. If you're looking to add a soft sleep surface in the crib, try a crib cover-and-pad combo. These products consist of a mattress pad that is waterproof and a fitted "skirt" that can be positioned around the mattress just like an fitted sheet.
In the end, you'll need to find the best crib rail protectors. These are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them beside the bed. cribs beds help prevent the formation of marks from teeth and drool on the crib's side railings that are fixed.
You'll need to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safely in bed until they are ready to move into a larger bed. Sweetpea Baby offers a convertible crib toddler rail that can fit on most cribs that are standard. It is easy to install and meets CPSC safety standards.
Crib Hardware
Certain aspects of the crib's design are only 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 influence on the ease of use and how long the crib will last. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, comply with multiple safety standards, and are easily configurable to a variety of mattress heights. Some cribs have special features that make them more useful. For instance the Quick Zip Crib Sheet allows you to replace the sheets without removing the entire mattress.
Generally speaking, you should avoid cribs with decorative cut-outs, or other decorations which could get caught on clothes or pose a risk of choking for infants. Check the crib hardware for loose bolts and other items that could get caught on clothing or objects.
The best crib sets have easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the required parts including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half an hour or less to put together, and a lot include all the tools you'll require.
You might also want to think about a convertible crib that could transform into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. This is a good 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 certain crib conversion kits require a second purchase to complete the conversion.
Crib hardware can be difficult to comprehend, but it's essential for security and stability. Most cribs come with a system of rectangular blocks, wedges (also called "shims") and large chocks known as step chocks. They are all designed to strengthen the contact points between the crib and the surface that supports it.
Some shims or chocks can be made of soft woods, which 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. Plastic shims and chocks are also available, which can be installed more easily since they don't require drilling or screwing into the surface.