Nursery Bedding - A fitted sheet, blanket, bumper pads and beyond

Safety and the Basics

At the very least, you need a fitted sheet to go over the mattress. Make sure it fits well, and measure your mattress size before buying a sheet. A tight sheet will mean that baby can’t accidentally pull the fabric off and entangle herself in it. A waterproof mattress cover under the sheet is also a good idea, for spills and leaks will always happen. Needless to say, the mattress has to fit tightly in the crib.

Some baby safety organizations recommend that you do not cover baby with a heavy blanket, soft quilt or a pillow, as it poses a suffocation hazard. Instead, dress baby in a thick one-piece jumper or sleeper. This will provide enough warmth.

Material

Most bedding is made with cotton or a cotton and polyester mix. Look for the thread count of the fabric, which is the number of threads woven per square inch. The higher the count, the smaller and more threads there are, and the softer and more comfortable they will be. Higher-quality bedding will usually start at a 200 thread count. Waterproof mattress protectors will be made of vinyl, or a soft polyester top and a vinyl barrier underneath to protect the mattress.

Bedding Sets

If you’ve created a certain theme for your nursery, bedding sets will definitely complete the décor. It could be the other way around, where you’ve chosen a theme for baby’s nursery based on the sheets! Sets can range from about $30 to $600 and up. Price may not equal greater quality, but could be caused by more elaborate patterns, a trademark (such as a cartoon character), a designer name, or a greater number of items in the set.

Smaller sets should include:

• a fitted sheet
• protective bumper pads for the crib walls
• a bed sheet

Larger sets can include the above as well as:

• a dust ruffle for the crib
• a quilt
• a matching window valence
• curtains
• a pillow cover
• a diaper stacker

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