Crib Sets and Infant Safety

So you've bought the crib - congratulations! But now you must be wondering what bedding you're going to put in it. Most bedding sets contain 3 to 6 pieces, but how many of those do you actually need? It's really best to keep any extraneous bedding out of the crib, and this is what pediatricians now recommend. If you're on a tight budget, you're much better off spending your money on a few high-quality crib sheets than on a bedding set that can't be used for much more than decoration.

Both comforters and crib bumpers are now on the "not recommended" list, because they pose a pretty serious risk of suffocation. Most parents worry about their baby getting too cold, but this problem is easily solved with swaddling blankets or a sleep sack. Wearable blankets have become quite common and most people are now familiar with the concept. Swaddling blankets have come a long way, with many mow featuring special fasteners to keep the blanket snug. Swaddling helps some babies sleep better, but others find it constricting and do not like it. 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. You'll be fine as long as you remember not to leave the blanket in the crib with the baby.

A foam sleep wedge might seem like a good idea, since it is meant to reduce a newborn's risk of SIDS. Keep in mind, though, that babies can't roll over until they are about 6 months old, at which point tummy-sleeping no longer seems to cause the same risk of SIDS. As was already mentioned, any soft crib bedding should be removed from the crib, but the foam wedges are themselves a type of soft bedding.

Aside from the standard bedding, a crib set can also include a diaper stacker, a toy bag, or even a window valance. These can be very tempting because they match the crib bedding, but your baby will not suffer without them.

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