Crib Bedding
When you learn bedding and linen basics for adults, you know that if your bed isn't perfect no harm is done. Well, when outfitting your baby's crib, this is not the case. You have to take safety into account and make sure the entire crib is safe. Newborns don't have the ability to turn over and remove a blanket or sheet that is suffocating them. According to the American SIDS Institute, more than 2,500 children die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) each year. Crib bedding should be kept minimal at first, until your child is able to sit up and has plenty of neck strength. And finally, as part of the "Back To Sleep Program," The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommends all children be placed on their backs to sleep.
Keys to Crib Bedding Safety- Fit -- Everything should fit well. Loose fabric can suffocate your baby.
- Firm -- You don't want the baby sinking in and getting "lost" in the bedding.
- Clean -- Wash everything before you use it. Use a fragrance-free detergent to prevent skin irritation and place the bedding through an additional rinse cycle.
- Comfort -- The bedding shouldn't be too warm. Overheating has been linked to increased chances of SIDS.
A Note on Style
If you thought naming your baby was going to be the last overwhelming decision for a while, think again. There is a dizzying array of crib bedding options. - Gender Neutral -- For the type A personalities who want to have the nursery outfitted before they learn the sex of the baby, or for thrifty parents who will want the bedding to work for more than one child. Think yellow, green and purple. Animals or Noah's ark,
 always work well in this category.
- Quirky & Eclectic -- If you can't stomach the matchy-matchy sets of baby linens, mix and match my be right for you.
- Boy themes -- The choice of sports teams or fire trucks is a matter of preference.
- Girl themes -- The room can be inspired by the ballet, princesses or even angels. Think pink and get in touch with your inner Cinderella.
Read on to learn how to make the best choices for fit, safety, and durability.
| Components of Crib Bedding |
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Fitted Crib Sheets - Should have a snug fit to the mattress.
- Get something soft to the touch, preferably over a 150 thread count.
- Non-flammable.
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Crib Bumpers - Keeps your baby's limbs from getting caught in the bars of the crib.
- Can either be for the crib's headboard or all four sides as long as it's secure and baby can't choke on ties.
- Once the baby can stand, remove it because it could become a dangerous climbing perch.
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Crib Blanket - Should be a lightweight blanket to keep your baby warm.
- Anything heavy could be dangerous for an infant under 12 months. Cold? Buy heavier PJs.
- Should only pulled to the chest.
- See the Blankets and Quilt page for instructions on using a blanket for infants.
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Crib Mattresses - Foam and coil mattresses can be equally firm, but foam is lighter and easier to change bedding on.
- Must fit the in crib with no more than an inch gap.
- Vinyl, waterproof, and anti-microbial layers are great.
- Usually 52" x 27".
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Crib Mattress Cover - Diapers leak and mattresses get wet. A waterproof crib mattress cover will make cleanups much easier.
- Never, ever use a plastic mattress cover. It's a suffocation hazard.
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| Additional Decorative Ideas (Potentially Dangerous) |
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Crib Quilts - Anything heavy can suffocate your baby.
- Use only for decoration or older children.
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Crib Top Sheets - Good for fashion, bad for sleeping.
- Better idea for toddlers and older children.
- These are also a suffocation hazard.
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Crib Pillows - As cute as they are, they can smother small babies.
- You can get all the pretty pillows you want when s/he's older.
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Crib Dust Ruffles - Can be used to hide storage items (like extra diapers) under the crib.
- Attach a ruffle to the bottom of your crib for additional style.
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