Bedding Sets and Baby Safeguards

Now that you’ve got a baby crib, the next thing you’ll need to get is a crib set. The majority of bedding sets include a number of pieces - but do you really need them all? To be honest, the only thing you really need is a couple of crib sheets, because modern crib safety standards recommend keeping cribs free of all soft bedding. If you want to get the most for your money, skip the crib set and the useless (but cute) accessories. Instead, invest in a half dozen comfortable, high quality crib sheets.

Suffocation is a serious concern for babies, so remove all soft bedding, including bumper pads and blankets. If you’re worried about baby getting to cold, put on some warm pajamas or a swaddling blankets instead. Sleep sacks are worn like clothing, but have a closed “bag” at the legs to keep baby warm. If you interested in a swaddling blanket, you might want to investigate some of the more modern styles that aid in getting the right fit. Swaddling is supposed to mimic the close quarters of the uterus, and it comforts many newborns. You will be holding your baby a lot, so you might still want a blanket or comforter for those times, especially if you’ve had a winter baby. But just keep in mind that the quilt doesn’t go into the crib when baby does.

Another crib accessory is a sleep positioner - a kind of foam wedge designed to keep baby on his back. It’s supposed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But young babies are not able to roll over, so if you put them to bed on their backs, they’ll stay on their backs. And by the time they are able to roll onto their tummies, SIDS is no longer such a serious concern. The argument becomes even less convincing when you realize that foam wedges are a kind of soft bedding that can become a suffocation hazard.

Other items included in a bedding set can include a window valance, diaper stacker, toy bag, and crib skirt. Keep in mind what you and your baby actually need, though. These will probably not make the list.

If you really care about the look of the nursery (and who doesn’t?), then thing about gender neutral baby bedding like Hot Cocoa crib bedding. {It’s much more cost effective because you can use it again and again, regardless of the sex of your next baby.}