How to Find the Right Baby Bedding

by: SuzanneBrowne
Total views: 13 | Word Count: 431

As a new parent, you probably find that it is easier to choose baby bedding based upon its looks instead of its functionality. However, this really is not the way in which you should go about doing this type of shopping, especially since your baby's safety and comfort depend upon it. With this in mind, here are some things that you should NOT do:

1. You should never ignore your baby's safety. With this being said, you should know that the government has established safety measures that a crib must measure up to. It is important for you to know what these safety measures are so that you can make sure that they are being adhered to. These include having no sharp corners, flimsy wheels or slats that are further than 2.5 inches apart. So, while you can still save money by purchasing a used crib, you need to make sure that these aforementioned rules are being adhered to and that the crib has not been recalled.

2. You should never use any bedding material that your baby may be allergic to. Instead, you should use wool, cotton or another type of baby-friendly synthetic material.

3. Make sure that the baby bedding you use is not soft. Instead, your baby's bedding should be firm. This is really important because soft baby bedding is one of the leading causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

4. You should not place a lot of cushions, pillows or other items into your baby's crib. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) says that this is especially true whenever your baby is sleeping.

5. Do not use bumper pads. Again, the AAP recommends that these also increase your baby's risk of SIDS. If you are still stuck on the idea of using bumper pads, then make sure that they are not soft or bulky, that they are properly attached to the crib and that you cut off any extra string.

6. Do not use rubber sheets. While it use to be quite popular for parents t cover their baby's mattress to ensure that it would remain dry, it is now widely believed that rubber sheets will irritate your baby's skin. Instead of using these rubber sheets, use flannel-lined mattress pads instead. These are specifically designed to keep things dry without irritating your baby's skin.

Now that you know what you should not buy for your baby, you can feel safe and secure in going shopping for those things that you should purchase for your baby. Happy shopping!

About the Author

Since retiring from working as a nanny over the past 10 years, Suzanne Browne is now working to teach parents and other nannies on how to safely raise babies. For more information on baby bedding check out her websites.  

More Articles from: Family