Crib Bedding 101

I constantly get questions from readers and friends about how to purchase Crib Bedding.  I find this ironic, in some ways, because when I was pregnant for Little AG, my friend B told me something about a “bumper” for the crib and I looked at her much like you would look at anyone who had antenna growing out of their head.  Her reaction was one that mixed amusement and concern, but she patiently explained.  Now I am a seasoned crib bedding shopper, and have no hesitations on giving you (especially new parents) tips on finding the best and safest bedding for your new little addition!  Without further ado, I give you Crib Bedding 101.

* * *

Whether this is your first shopping experience for the new baby or you’re in the midst of a shopping spree to fill the adorable nursery as quickly as possible, take the time to get the facts on the safest and stylish crib bedding for 2009. Normally when we think of bedding for our own master bedrooms, we picture slip covers, comforters, and dust ruffles. However, when it comes to nursery bedding there are several safety factors that need to be considered when you are in the process of outfitting your baby’s crib.

Perfect Fit Mattress – Before you begin to cover the crib mattress with a snug fitting sheet, check to make sure that the mattress fits tightly within the frame of the crib. If you’re able to fit two of your fingers between the mattress and the frame, your child is at risk as they can get stuck within this space. During the baby’s first two years, it’s best for them to sleep on a mattress that is more firm, flat, and set at a low level in terms of height once your child is able to sit up or stand on their own. Soft, plush mattresses along with heavy crib blankets or comforters don’t provide enough air circulation for newborns to sleep comfortably and safely through the night, not to mention put babies at a higher risk for SIDS.

Safe Crib Bumpers –According to a study highlighted on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (APA) website, the dangerous effects of adding crib bumpers outweigh the benefits.  Crib bumpers became popular in older-style cribs where the slats were further apart so that a baby’s head could have fit between the slats, posing a suffocation risk. Today, all cribs sold in the US and Canada must have slats close enough to each other that it would be nearly impossible for an infant’s head to fit through.  Standard bumpers found in crib bedding sets are not recommended because if a baby were to roll into a soft, plush bumper, it creates the potential risk of the child not being able to breathe – not to mention the risk of SIDS is higher for infants who sleep in a crib with a bumper.  However, there is a small selection of specific breathable crib bumpers that offer a number of lifesaving benefits that standard bumpers simply don’t provide.

BreathableBaby.com offers a safer solution for your child with their breathable mesh fabric bumper that fits snugly around cribs of different sizes and shapes. This item protects your child from entanglement and head injury or bruising while providing sufficient air circulation for the child to breathe normally if they were to roll into the side of the crib.

Crib Bedding – As soon as we have a new life in our hands, we immediately want to protect and surround it with love, safety, and comfort. Keeping that idea in mind, we want the very best material surrounding our little ones in their crib and that is why choosing soft cotton fabrics is a wonderful choice for our baby’s bedding. Organic cotton bedding is an even smarter choice as these crops are grown without harmful chemicals such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. Crib sheets should be arranged snugly around the mattress and any blankets should be avoided or tucked around the sides of the mattress very tightly in order to prevent any risk of suffocation or SIDS. Mobiles are a great decorative tool to help ease your baby to sleep through their soft music and movement. Be sure to hang your crib mobile high enough so that your baby can’t reach any chords, extra fabric, stuffed animals, or any other decorative item on the rotating mobile.

Bedding Style – Now for the fun part! Once you have put together your crib measurements, it’s time to look for a bedding style that is both comfortable and one that fits your style, as well as that of your new baby’s nursery. Find a collection that incorporates vibrant color, unique patterns, or soft textures to give your child a cozy and creative space to live and grow in everyday throughout their newborn and toddler years.  There are so many options out there, but I really love the more modern prints and colors!