Baby crib bedding – what is necessary?
When you buy a baby crib, it’s only natural that you end up buying a bedding set as well. Most crib bedding has four to six pieces included in a set, but do you really need all the included items?
The sheets will do
If you’re aware of crib safety, then you know that pediatricians always recommend that bare is best when it comes to crib bedding. So what you would really need is just crib sheets with a few spare ones. Leaks are inevitable and it is more practical for you to spend your money on high-quality and comfortable crib sheets than on unnecessary accessories, especially when you are on a tight budget. It is certainly not recommended to have bumper pads and comforter in the crib. A baby can become entangled in the cords of the bumper pad if it is not properly secured, while a comforter increases the risk of suffocation. If you are worried that your baby is too cold, the best alternative may be to use baby bags or blankets.
Sacks And Blankets For Baby
Baby bags are similar to sleeping bags with holes for the head and arms. Unlike a blanket, your baby would not be able to get out of it when wrapped in a baby bag. As for diaper blankets, there are now products on the market that are adjustable for a custom fit with fasteners to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. Diapers are known to calm and comfort newborns, allowing them to sleep better, as it is similar to the comfort of the womb. You can always opt to buy a comforter if you insist on getting one that matches your nursery decor. A quilt can come in handy for those cold winter days when you need something to wrap your baby up in while she rocks him in her arms. But once you put your baby to bed, remember not to leave the comforter in the crib with your baby. At most, you can use a thin blanket and position your baby so that her feet touch the foot of the crib.
Beware of the sleep positioner
Another type of crib bedding product is the sleep positioner. This is basically a wedge of foam on each side to prevent your baby from rolling over and ending up on their stomach, which increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Note that such products have mixed reviews, and consumer reports have discouraged the use of any type of soft bedding in the crib, including a sleep positioner. It goes without saying that the safety of these products has not been sufficiently tested and they can obstruct the normal breathing of your baby’s nose and mouth.
Other elements
Other items included in crib bedding sets usually consist of a valance and a diaper stacker. These items are basically to enhance your nursery decor rather than serve a practical purpose. Looking at pictures of an all-match crib bedding set would surely tempt any parent to buy. However, keep in mind that experts have warned against leaving anything soft and padded in the crib because they can close off your baby’s airway and cause suffocation. So the question you should always ask yourself before spending your hard-earned money on crib bedding products is whether the items are necessary or even risky for your baby.