Nursery bedding sets are one of the biggest non-furniture purchases new parents make. Newborns spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, so baby bedding sets should be both comfortable and safe.

In addition to safety, style is a concern for many parents. Because the crib is the centerpiece of the nursery, you’ll want to choose bedding and crib bumper pads that are attractive and create a focal point for the room’s theme. Many stores sell coordinating items to go with baby bedding sets, such as:

• Lamps
• Mobiles
• Rugs.

Choosing Baby Bedding Sets

Nursery bedding is available as a complete set or individual pieces. Nursery bedding sets typically include:

• Crib bumper pads
• Crib quilt or comforter
• Crib skirt
• Fitted sheet
• Pillow.

Baby bedding sets often come with soft items like:

• Comforters
• Pillows
• Quilts.

However, you should not place these items in the crib with your infant, because soft bedding increases the risk of suffocation.

Because your baby will spend so much time in the crib, comfort is key. Choose soft material, such as cotton, that won’t irritate a baby’s skin. All baby bedding sets should also be machine washable.

When choosing a mattress for your crib, pick one that is neither too hard nor too soft. The best option is a firm, steel-coil mattress, which provides support for the baby’s back and enhances crib safety.

Baby Bedding Safety

Safety is the number one priority when choosing baby bedding. Improper or unsafe bedding can lead to death. Protect your baby by keeping the following crib safety tips in mind:

• Keep hanging items out of the baby’s reach. Babies can easily get caught in mobiles, canopies, curtain loops and other items and strangle.
• Make sure all baby bedding is snug. The mattress should fit tightly against the edges of the crib. If the mattress is loose, the baby could get stuck between the mattress and the crib. If you can fit two fingers in between the edge of the mattress and the crib, then the mattress is too small. In addition, the crib sheet should fit snugly around the mattress.
• Remove soft bedding when the baby is in the crib. Pillows, quilts, comforters, blankets and other soft, loose items are for decoration only, and should never be left in the crib with your baby. The only bedding that should be in the crib with your child is a fitted blanket (pulled no higher than your baby’s chest). Alternatively, you may use a sleeper or sleep sacks to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Crib bumpers pads are popular, but some experts question their safety. While these padded strips are meant to keep your baby from bumping her head against the side of the crib, they may also increase the risk of suffocation and other crib safety issues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of crib bumpers. Your baby should be safe in a modern crib without bumpers. If you do use crib bumper pads, they should be kept tight against the side of the crib.