Parents have to sift through the countless designs and styles of crib bedding. Should they choose a cute character-themed set from Sesame Street, or perhaps something deliciously mod and shabby -chic? Whatever they settle on, parents should not settle for quality. Here are some key buying points for bedding that will be safer for baby and hold up over time.
Safety Considerations
Despite the amount of money most parents invest on crib bedding and crib sets, many organizations have strong recommendations against using blankets, comforters, and crib bumpers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises "Remove pillows, pillow-like bumper pads, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib." Several infant crib deaths have been attributed to these items. Rather than spending money on crib bedding , it might be better to invest money in quality sheets and other nursery accessories. Another option would be to display the crib comforter as a wall hanging.
Machine Washable
One of the most important points to consider is machine washability. Crib sheets, blankets, and the like are going to laundered far more often than adult bedding. Parents should select bedding that can be machine washed and dried.
Sewn with Cotton or Cotton Blend Threads
Some baby bedding is sewn with nylon thread. This can be a disaster. Nylon thread can melt in the high heat in the dryer. Not only might this cause a choking hazard, but there will be nothing to hold the batting in place once the thread is gone. Comforters will wind up with padding that bunches together. Bedding sewn with cotton or cotton blend threads will be more safe and much more durable.
Avoid Stamped Designs
Stamped designs, patterns that only are on top of the fabric, will not hold up in the wash. As different pieces of the set are laundered more frequently, some will fade faster, giving a mismatched look to the bedding set. Patterns on the material should be woven into the fabric instead.
Tight Stitching
For bedding sets decorated with appliqués, tight stitching is preferable. If parents can see the fabric through the stitching, it is quite likely the appliqué will come off with time. Stitching should be tight and even throughout the work.
Crib Sheet Quality
Crib sheets will be the work horse of the nursery bedding. Crib sheets must withstand repeated laundering, much more so than adult bed sheets. For a thorough explanation of what parents should look for before purchasing or registering for crib sheets, refer to Safe Crib Sheets Made with Quality: Infant Bedding Buying Guide.
Crib Bumpers
Crib bumpers are surrounded with a great deal of controversy, and rightfully so. Due to accidental deaths caused by crib bumpers, many professional children's organizations firmly state bumper pads should not be used. However, if parents do not wish to heed the warnings, Safer Crib Bumpers: Better Options for Bumper Pads details what features mark some bumper pads better than others.
Shopping for crib bedding will likely be an exciting time for parents. With these tips, parents can purchase crib bedding with the confidence that it will be both adorable and durable.
Related articles:
Safe Crib Sheets Made with Quality: Infant Bedding Buying Guide
