Girl crib bedding: frills and lace. Crib bedding for boys: blue with puppy dogs. I think you’ve forgotten something! Baby bedding is cute, but there is much more to consider than just appearances.

You can’t be sure if your new baby is going to be allergic to anything or not. Everyone wants a cute nursery, but it’s important to pick the right bedding material first. Quality baby crib bedding should list some vital facts - namely, cover fabric, fill material, fill power (higher is better), and thread count (again, higher is better). The ensure the comfort of your baby, choose bedding that is breathable and lightweight, but also warm. The Internet makes it easy to find out the construction materials for a wide variety of crib bedding choices, so do some research before you buy.

To reduce the chances of sensitivities, try fabrics like wool, cotton, or down. Synthetic fabrics usually do not breathe and they may break down over time - emitting toxic fumes. This can cause respiratory problems and sleeping difficulties. If you have chosen a set like the Max baby bedding, then you will need to consider that it does contain some amount of polyester, and decide if that risk is worth it.

Some people may disagree with me, but I think wool blankets are softer and more comfortable than any other blanket. Wool blankets are fabulous with a cotton flannel backing. It’s pretty easy to decide what sized blanket you will need. If you’re swaddling, choose a small one. If you want a daycare blankie or something to keep in the car, then choose a larger size.

Down comforters can be a great choice - they have a natural filler that is both lightweight and warm at the same time. Your little one will probably have a number of “accidents” in the crib - so make sure your down comforter is machine washable (most are). In order to be sure that your down comforter has the least chance of causing allergies, you want one that has the highest cleanliness rating. There are two tests to determine the cleanliness of down - the oxygen test and the turbidity test. The oxygen test has a government standard of 10 but a lower number is better. Turbidity is measured in the opposite direction - that is, a higher number is better. The top of the turbidity scale is somewhere around 550.

Tags: Babies