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Cradle Bedding Challenges and Solutions
Can't decide on a crib and your baby is almost here? Why not get a cradle first. Cradles are ideal for newborns and babies up to 4 months old. They're a great space saver and are perfect if you plan to keep your newborn by your bedside at night. Once your baby can roll over it will be time to put your active child in a crib. Finding cradle bedding can be somewhat of a challenge, but with our helpful tips you should be able to find bedding for your cradle easily.
Know your Cradle Dimensions
Cradles come in many shapes and sizes and it's important to find bedding that fits snuggly around your cradle mattress. If locating bedding for your specific cradle brand is a challenge or you are looking for a less expensive option then we recommend you know your cradle "inside" dimensions and mattress dimensions before you shop. Below are a few examples of just how diverse cradle dimensions can be.
- Patterson Baby Cradle = 36"L x 18"W (inside)
- The Corsican Cradle = 34" L x 20.5" W (inside)
- Sorelle Standa Cradle = 34"H x 38"W x 22.5" (inside)
- Bratt Décor Chelsea Cradle = 48" W x 25.5" D x 35.25" H (inside)
Cradle Bedding Sets vs. Separates
Decide if you want to purchase a full cradle bedding set or separates. Most cradle sets come with a bumper, fitted sheet and comforter. Some parenting associations recommend not using a crib or cradle bumper because of suffocation risks. If you don't think you'll be using the bumper, and you may forgo using the comforter then separates might be the way to go. We recommend buying both so you have a matching cradle set for nursery appeal, plus extra bedding on hand for those unexpected baby messes.
Overcoming Cradle Shopping Challenges
We recommend that you purchase the bedding that was made specifically for your cradle model. If that bedding is too expensive you might want to consider looking for bedding sets on clearance or bedding sales where you can get a discounted rate for the same quality bedding. If you can't find bedding that matches your cradle style then remember? it's important to find a set or separates that have the same dimensions as your cradle "inside" and mattress. We can't stress this enough!
Hot Tip!
Find an online baby furniture store that sells your cradle model and look at the suggested cradle bedding sets or separates that they recommend. That's the easiest way to find what you need or to get the names of the best bedding sets for your cradle so you know what items to look for when searching for discounts or clearance sales.
Cradle Bedding Safety Tips
- It's best to use a fitted sheet that's made for the cradle model. Also, don't ever use a mattress or mattress pad other than the one designed for your exact cradle.
- When tucking your baby in at bedtime, it's recommended to use a swaddle sack or wearable blanket instead of a comforter that might make your baby's temperature spike or pose a suffocation hazard because of blanket thickness.
- Keep all bulky bedding such as; extra padding, pillow, bumper or comforter out of your baby's cradle.
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