Monday, February 9, 2009

What to Look for When Shopping for Crib Bedding

By Katie Wilber

Bringing a new baby into the house is both exciting and scary. One of the things that parents love to do is decorate the nursery with lots of color. You may even have a theme in mind for the room. One of the choices parents have to make is about the bedding after purchasing a crib and a mattress.

The basics of any crib bedding are pretty similar to adult beds. You will need a crib sheet and a blanket. Make sure to get a sheet that fits the size of the mattress you purchased. Most crib mattresses are produced in a standard size these days, but that doesn't mean that every crib sheet is created equal. It is absolutely necessary that the crib sheet fits the mattress very snug so that your newborn can't pull it out from under the mattress. Just make sure to test the sheets out on the mattress long before you bring your newborn home.

Whichever pattern that you choose for the crib bedding, it is a good idea to invest in a few extra sets as you will change the sheets often with a new baby.

A newborn's skin is delicate and many fabrics can irritate it. Opt for pure cotton sheets and blankets for baby's bed. When baby spends time in the crib, tuck the blanket securely under the mattress so baby can't pull it up over his head.

Now that we have dealt with the safety issues it's time to pick the color scheme for your baby's nursery. Do you like solid colors or prints? Will the theme pertain strictly to boys or to girls? Have some fun with it. Maybe you are having a boy this first time around. Choosing a blue layout will mean starting all over again with the decorations if the second child is a girl. Gender neutral colors are also popular for nurseries if more than one child is in your future.

When you shop for bedding for baby's crib you'll find crib sheet separates as well as matching sets. Matching sets provide you with more than just the sheet for the bed. Included are dust ruffles, baby blanket, crib bumpers and the sheet for the mattress.

If you are going for a theme in the nursery that includes a print pattern, consider purchasing a crib bedding ensemble from a manufacturer that also sells other nursery accessories. Now, decorating that nursery is a one stop shopping experience instead of going from store to store to find just the right lamp or wall decoration. You can find great stuff like lamps, hampers, changing pad cover, crib accessory bags, curtains and mobiles to add to the nursery. Some manufactures might offer cradle bedding that matches the rest of the layout.

Expectant parents are excited and stressed thinking about the new baby entering the house and their lives. Shopping for the nursery is a fun way to ease the pressure and the stress. If you have an idea what you are looking for, start with the bedding. Keep safety in mind here and then work your way around the nursery, choosing accessories to brighten up the room where your newborn will sleep.

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