Baby Bedding Essentials

Some dos and don'ts for safe, pretty nursery bedding Baby bedding for cradles, cribs, bassinets and Moses Baskets is the stuff of mommy decorating dreams. Although the cuteness factor is off the charts, the actual needs of the baby are what you must keep foremost in your mind. Safety is at issue. Tragically, babies are injured or die every year due to mishaps with their bedding. How do you know what your baby needs - and doesn't?

Mattresses

This is the foundation of the bedding that will hold that which is the most precious thing in the world to you - your child.

DO make sure the mattress you place in your cradle, bassinet, or Moses Basket is FIRM and WELL FITTED, with no gaps to the side.

DO purchase fitted sheets designed for that mattress size only.

DO make sure the sheets are securely tucked or fastened so there is no danger of entanglement.

Blankets and Quilts

There are so many beautiful blankets, comforters and quilts that you may receive as gifts for your baby's bassinet, crib or cradle.

DON'T be fooled by appearances. "Soft," "thick," and "puffy" are generally words associated with comfort, but for a baby they can be deadly. The same goes for soft toys.

DO choose thin, porous blankets and never pull them higher than the baby's chest.

If have a quilt or coverlet you absolutely love, DO use it as a decorative item, either as a bed cover when your baby is not in bed or as a wall hanging.

Crib Bumpers

Doctors and safety experts DON'T advise using crib or cradle bumpers. They impede circulation, and many bumpers are tied to the crib by long strings or ribbons that could pose a choking hazard. If you feel you absolutely MUST use them to avoid bruises, follow these guidelines:

• Choose firm, flat bumpers over thick, puffy ones.
• Weave the bumper between slats so it cannot come loose, or choose a set that fits around the entire crib and snaps into place. Make sure any ties are shorter than 9 inches.
• Bumpers should attach securely to the sides of the bed from the top and bottom end as well as the middle - more if possible.