As a soon-to-be parent, this is one of the most exciting times in your life and your family's life. Creating a haven of rest and relaxation for your child is one of the most important things you can do. One of the first steps is establishing the bedding for your crib or cradle.
However, there are a few things to remember when seeking out bedding for a crib or cradle.
All objects should be kept out of the crib out of baby's reach, in order to keep the baby safe. Pillows should not be used for infants, as they can lead to suffocation. Avoid heavy blankets and quilts. Choose bedding that includes bumpers to keep your baby safe from the wood of the crib. Tuck loose strings away to keep your infant from chewing on them.
When choosing colors for your baby bedding, use bright and cheery colors, which can help develop your baby's eyesight. Babies enjoy looking at vivid colors as they grow older. Deep monochromatic tones such as black and mahogany can enrich a color palette. Develop themes based around your baby's gender, if you plan to find out before your baby will be born -- blue and green tones for boys, pinks and purples for girls. If you will not know the gender of your baby until the due date, consider decorating your baby's room in neutral and natural hues -- soft yellows and earth tones.
For the crib or cradle bedding, cotton is the most comfortable and most resilient fabric. While other fabrics look beautiful or feel silky, cotton breathes better and is easier to wash. Avoid bedding sets that require dry cleaning or are made of popular allergens.
Remember, your baby's room should be an expression of your family and a warm welcome for your baby into the world. The room will be a place to learn for years to come, and your baby bedding is the first building block.
