Need to Know Facts about Baby Bedding

Baby Bedding Items for the Nursery

Standard Baby Blankets

A standard baby blanket is recommended for crib use. These blankets tend to be 36" x 52" in size and fit snuggly around any standard size crib mattress. This size baby blanket is also the perfect dimensions for swaddling your baby at naptime. Standard baby blankets come in an array of colors, fabrics and textures. The greater the thread count, the softer the blanket. Baby blankets made of natural cotton fabric seem to be quite popular, but parents also like the softness of fleece fabric and the stylish look of the fancier blankets made of faux fur. If you find an adorable patterned blanket before choosing the rest of your nursery d‚cor you might consider using the baby blanket's colors and design to set the tone for the rest of the room.

Crib Sheets

A crib sheet must always fit the crib mattress snugly. They come in many colors and thread counts that determine the sheet's softness. The higher the count, the softer the sheet. You can choose from organic or manmade fabrics depending on your preference. Many parents are choosing hypoallergenic fabrics to decrease the chance of irritants affecting the baby. You can even get waterproof crib sheets to protect the mattress from messy diaper leaks.

Mattress Pads

A mattress pad can be used under a fitted crib sheet to protect the mattress from any bed wetting incidences. These pads are generally 100% waterproof and are quilted to add extra softness to your baby's crib mattress. It's important to find one that fits snuggly and doesn't move when your baby tosses and turns.

Dust Ruffle or Crib Skirt

A Dust Ruffle or Crib Skirt is used to soften the look of the crib. These wrap around the bottom of the crib.

Swaddling Baby Blankets

Swaddling Baby Blankets are great for keeping your baby warm and cozy all night. These blankets are specifically designed to swaddle your baby tightly.

High Quality Baby Bedding Fabric Terms

You're probably wondering how to distinguish a quality baby bedding fabric from one that is a lower grade. Here are a few fabric features to consider when choosing your baby bedding.

• Thread count refers to the number of threads per inch. Baby bedding with a higher thread count tends to be softer and more durable. It also tends to be more expensive.
• Brushed refers to fabric that has been sanded before being made into bedding. This process makes the fabric extra soft. Generally printed fabrics aren't brushed due to possible pattern fading caused by the process. Brushed fabrics are usually more costly.
• Pre-washed refers to fabrics that are washed and dried before being added to the bedding piece. This process helps to decrease shrinkage and loss of color. Bedding that is pre-washed is usually more costly.

Baby Bedding Sets vs. Separates

We recommend you buy both and here's why. Crib bedding sets are convenient and cost effective. They come with all of the bedding you need to create a comfortable sleep environment for your baby. All items in the set match to create a coordinated look in the nursery. Crib bedding sets include a variation of the following items: crib sheet, comforter (not recommended for newborns), crib bumper pad (research bumper pad pros and cons), crib dust ruffle, along with bedding accessories such as changing pad, diaper stacker and sometimes even a crib mobile. Purchasing a baby bedding set can save you time and money by offering everything you need in one pretty package.

We also recommend purchasing separate baby bedding such as extra sheets, mattress pads, waterproof sheets and swaddle blankets. You'll be amazed at how often you'll be changing your little one's bedding because of unexpected baby messes and you'll want to make sure to have extra baby bedding at hand when you need it.

Baby Bedding Safety Tips

• Bumper pads are not recommended especially for children big enough to use the bumper as a step for escaping the crib. Bumper pads can possibly be a suffocation hazard.
• No thick bedding. Avoid using bulky bedding, big blankets, pillows, extra soft mattresses or stuffed toys. This can pose a suffocation hazard.
• No loose crib sheets. It's important that your baby's crib sheets fit snuggly around the mattress. Also make sure that the gap between the mattress and crib rails is no more than a 2 finger width.