Page 2 of 2
Crib Bedding
Bedding sets
Most coordinated bedding sets come with a fitted sheet, a bumper, a bed skirt, and a blanket, coverlet, comforter, or duvet cover. (Remember, soft bedding is not to be used in the crib during the first year.) Most juvenile- furnishings stores charge from $150 to $250 for these sets, though they can be found for less at cut-rate department stores and baby superstores. Inspect each of the items individually, and be sure you can buy extra fitted sheets that will look attractive with the set. Also, keep an eye out for bedding sets with so-called “summer blankets”–these match the set but have no filling, so they pose less risk of suffocation.
You can also buy sets by the piece from linen catalogs, children’s furnishings catalogs, and the increasing number of home stores offering baby lines. There is also the special-order option, available at most juvenile furniture stores, which will net you the greatest range of styles and, in many cases, better quality than off-the-shelf sets. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 for special-order or custom bedding.
Some quality checkpoints: Is the fabric prewashed for shrinkage and softness? Is the pattern printed on or stamped on? (If the latter, it will fade more quickly.) How tight is the stitching? If there are appliqués, are they secure? Are the bumper ties sewn on tightly, and on both the top and bottom of the bumper (and are there at least 12 bumper ties)? Is the bumper washable, or does it have to be dry-cleaned? Some high-end bumpers and comforters come with removable covers for easy washing.
Chances are, if you pay a little more for a higher-quality product, it will look better and last longer. Remember, you will launder this bedding more than most, and may use it for more than one baby (one reason to choose a gender-neutral set you really love).
Mobiles
Hung above nearly every crib (and most changing tables) is a twirling, cheerful, and sometimes musical mobile to entertain the baby. While these are often sold to match bedding sets, a mobile is more than just a nursery accessory. It’s the baby’s first toy and should be at least as functional as it is attractive.
The primary consideration should be: How will this look to the occupant of the crib? View it from underneath. The best mobile designs have the decorations angled downward so the baby gets the full visual impact. A musical option is nice too.
Most coordinated bedding sets come with a fitted sheet, a bumper, a bed skirt, and a blanket, coverlet, comforter, or duvet cover. (Remember, soft bedding is not to be used in the crib during the first year.) Most juvenile- furnishings stores charge from $150 to $250 for these sets, though they can be found for less at cut-rate department stores and baby superstores. Inspect each of the items individually, and be sure you can buy extra fitted sheets that will look attractive with the set. Also, keep an eye out for bedding sets with so-called “summer blankets”–these match the set but have no filling, so they pose less risk of suffocation.
You can also buy sets by the piece from linen catalogs, children’s furnishings catalogs, and the increasing number of home stores offering baby lines. There is also the special-order option, available at most juvenile furniture stores, which will net you the greatest range of styles and, in many cases, better quality than off-the-shelf sets. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 for special-order or custom bedding.
Some quality checkpoints: Is the fabric prewashed for shrinkage and softness? Is the pattern printed on or stamped on? (If the latter, it will fade more quickly.) How tight is the stitching? If there are appliqués, are they secure? Are the bumper ties sewn on tightly, and on both the top and bottom of the bumper (and are there at least 12 bumper ties)? Is the bumper washable, or does it have to be dry-cleaned? Some high-end bumpers and comforters come with removable covers for easy washing.
Chances are, if you pay a little more for a higher-quality product, it will look better and last longer. Remember, you will launder this bedding more than most, and may use it for more than one baby (one reason to choose a gender-neutral set you really love).
Mobiles
Hung above nearly every crib (and most changing tables) is a twirling, cheerful, and sometimes musical mobile to entertain the baby. While these are often sold to match bedding sets, a mobile is more than just a nursery accessory. It’s the baby’s first toy and should be at least as functional as it is attractive.
The primary consideration should be: How will this look to the occupant of the crib? View it from underneath. The best mobile designs have the decorations angled downward so the baby gets the full visual impact. A musical option is nice too.
