Much has changed over the decades with babies’ crib bedding. Some items have been proven to be safer than others. When it comes to your baby, though, you don’t want to take any chances. You probably want the cutest items for your nursery, but you want them to be safe and comfortable for your baby as well. Here are a few do’s and don’ts of crib bedding to get you started!
The Do’s
Of course, you want to have the cutest nursery and crib for your baby, and there are so many wonderful items to pick from when it comes to crib bedding. Here are some of the best things you can use to keep your baby safe when sleeping while also making your nursery look stylish!
Crib Sheets
You’ll also need a crib sheet to keep the baby comfortable. The crib sheet is a great way to protect the baby from the mattress as well as the mattress from the baby. In fact, we recommend having at least two crib sheets so they can be switched out as needed. Babies have blowouts and they spit up. Generally speaking, babies’ sheets should be changed at least once a week, too! Crib sheets are also an adorable way to accent your nursery decor.
Swaddle Blankets
When babies are first born, they are used to confined spaces. So, being able to swaddle them up tightly is a must, if you want to get any sleep. Baby Muslin swaddle blankets are the very best. They’re breathable and lightweight, but they will keep your baby warm and tightly wrapped throughout their sleep. Muslin swaddle blankets are also extremely versatile. They can be used for swaddling, diaper changes, a nursing cover, a stroller cover and more.
Wearable Baby Blankets
Another safer alternative to large loose blankets, wearable baby blankets will be your baby’s best friend when it comes to sleeping. Wearable blankets are soft and come in many different materials, patterns and colors. It’s essentially a blanket with arm holes and a zipper up the front. It allows your baby the freedom to move their legs and arms a little bit while still keeping them contained. Babies can’t get tangled up in them, and they’re a great way to transition away from swaddle blankets.
Bed Skirts
Bed skirts are a great addition to your nursery! They add such a lovely aesthetic touch to your space. They also hide the underside of your crib. If you have drawers under the crib it can hide those, or if you don’t have drawers underneath, you can add container storage under the crib or simply put books or puzzles under the crib. The bed skirt can hide all of the storage away. So you get all of the benefits of extra storage without the clutter.
Railing Covers
Protecting your baby’s teeth, gums and little noggin is crucial, as well. That’s why you should also get a set of railing covers. They come in many different colors and material types. So, you’re sure to find something that matches your theme. Just make sure for your baby’s safety, that the covers stay securely over the railings and don’t hang inside or outside the crib. That could be very dangerous for your baby or toddler.
The Don’ts
There are a few things you need to know when it comes to the don’ts of crib bedding. They all have to do with safety, and it’s important to keep this in mind as you prepare for your new baby. Things are different from when many young moms were babies. So, advice from older family members on baby bedding might be obsolete for safety reasons. Here are a few don’ts of crib bedding to keep in mind.
Blankets
While swaddling your baby and wearable baby blankets are considered safe, loose blankets or quilts in the baby’s bed are a safety hazard. It’s okay to have decorative quilts and blankets around your nursery, just make sure they are not in or around your crib, especially at naptime or bedtime. Babies can get tangled up in loose blankets, so it’s just not a safe thing to put over them at bedtime.
Padded Crib Bumpers
If you were born before 2007, you may have had padded crib bumpers in your crib. In 2007, a study was done that shows that crib bumpers are hazardous to babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics came out in 2011 and said not to use padded crib bumpers. In fact, in May 2022, The Safe Sleep for Babies Act was signed, and it will go into effect this year saying that crib bumpers can no longer be manufactured or sold. While this is helpful for keeping more babies safe, there still might be some crib bumpers floating around at a family member’s house or at a donation center.
Padded crib bumpers are a huge no-no for your baby’s crib. The reason for this is simply that studies have showed that crib bumpers don’t really prevent injuries. However, they can cause strangulation, suffocation or entrapment. So, just know that they aren’t safe and they shouldn’t be in the baby’s crib. Be sure to give caregivers and grandparents a heads up about this as well. Times have probably changed since they cared for a little baby, and they may not know about the dangers associated with certain kinds of bedding.
Pillows
You might think that your baby needs a pillow in their crib, but they don’t until they are much older. WebMD recommends not letting your baby have a pillow until they are at least 24 months, so a toddler–not a baby. While pillows are adorable decorations and can be comfy for adults to sleep on, they can be dangerous for your baby. So, pillows are another don’t.
Other Things to Consider with Crib Bedding
There are a few other factors you might want to consider as you decorate your baby’s nursery. Here are some things to think about as you pick everything out.
Fabric Dyes
As you’re picking crib sheets, you might not be thinking about the dyes used. It’s still a good idea to think about the materials used in your baby’s bedding, though. For example, Crane Baby only uses AZO-free dyes and all of our sheets are hand-printed.
Bedding Material
Sateen cotton is always a great way to go with any kind of bedding. It’s breathable, lightweight, and soft on the baby’s skin. Another great option is Muslin bedding. Muslin allows your baby free movement and a comfortable place to sleep, as well! Sateen sheets are 100% cotton whereas muslin sheets usually contain cotton, but they aren’t a full cotton sheet. Both have benefits, but mainly, make sure you do a feel test on the bedding you’re using to ensure it’s soft and comfy for the baby.
Easy Care
Let’s face it, babies are messy! They spit up and have diaper blowouts all the time. So, making sure your baby’s sheets, wearable blankets, swaddles, etc. are easy to wash is a must. Just being able to toss soiled bedding into the washing machine and dryer will save you so much time and so many headaches. You’ll also want to use a gentle baby detergent on all of your baby’s bedding and clothing for the first several years. This will help your baby’s sensitive skin stay happy and healthy!