Nursery Bedding 101: What to Look for and What to Avoid

The nursery bedding you choose for your baby or child isn’t just about style; it directly impacts their health and safety. Being aware of what to look for and what to avoid can save you a lot of heartache.

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The right mix of bedding can make your kid’s room explode into life. Drab walls and bare rooms will fade into the background once the crib or toddler bed is outfitted with that funky design you fashioned.  But bedding isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in ensuring your child’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being.

Are you at a loss on the theme or color scheme for the room or nursery? Walk into the nearest store and look for the bedding that catches your eye. Once you have the bedding in hand, spin your room’s theme or color scheme to match it. Such is the power of kids and nursery bedding!

With such a wide and interesting collection of kids beddings in stores today, here are some guidelines to help you find the perfect fit for your child and his style (and let us not forget the all-important maintenance issues).

Always Prioritize Safety First

I keep beating the same drum; but it truly is that important. This is especially true for your baby nursery bedding but cannot be ignored in later years either.

There are 4 key issues that you need to be aware of.

1. Choose breathable materials: There is no better fabric for bedding than 100% cotton or organic cotton. Not just for your kids bedding but for yourself too, cotton bedding reduces the risk of overheating and promotes better airflow. With nursery bedding, this is crucial for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in babies.
2. Ensure a snug fit: Loose bedding can pose a suffocating hazard, especially for infants. Crib sheets come with elastic corners - check it regularly in case the elastic has loosened or if it comes off the mattress too easily. Remember, once your baby starts moving around, those tiny fingers are ready to grasp anything within reach.
3. Avoid bedding accessories: they look really cute and adorable, come in a variety of colors and themes and add pizzazz to your nursery photos...but once you have taken the pictures, remove all the additional accessories from the crib or toddler bed. The blanket and pillows will look just as adorable on the rocking chair. The crib should not have anything beyond the bedsheet. Or you can use sleep sacks or wearable blankets too.
4. Read the labels:  Look for bedding that is free from harmful chemicals such as flame retardants, formaldehyde, and phthalates. These chemicals can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues, not just in infants but in older kids too.

Comfortable Bedding = Good Sleep Quality

Young children spend a large part of their day either sleeping or playing on their beds. This is also the best place for snuggles and reading books together. Finding comfortable bedding can make the difference between a good nights sleep or tossing and turning - maybe even showing up in your bedroom in the middle of the night.

1. Soft to the touch : A baby's skin is soft and delicate. Check the texture of the nursery bedding; it should be gentle and not cause any irritation.
2. Where do you live? : Depending on your climate, you might need bedding that provides warmth during colder months and stays cool during warmer months. Cotton is an excellent all-season fabric, while materials like flannel are ideal for winter. Consider the weather when opting for a duvet, quilt or heavy comforter (or a mix of two).
3. Allergies and Sensitivities : If your child has allergies or sensitive skin, hypoallergenic bedding is a must. These are made from materials less likely to cause allergic reactions and are often free from dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Also consider mattress protectors.
4. Cleanliness is key : Changing the bedding regularly, vacuuming the mattress and wiping down the bed will also help to keep the dust mites at bay and give your kid a good nights sleep.

Durable Bedding - What Does That Mean?

" 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed...1 fell down and bumped his head...Mama called the doctor and the doctor said...No more monkeys jumping on the bed!...4 little monkeys jumping on the bed..." (Sigh)

They never stop jumping!!

But that's not all that your kid's bedding has to endure. There are spills, markers, and who-knows-what that stain is. And if your little one has a favorite blanket that travels with them - well, their bedding needs to be strong and durable. It needs to survive multiple washes.

1. Look for high quality fabrics :  Cotton and cotton blends are durable and tend to get softer with each wash, making them a great choice.
2. Check the stitching:  and overall construction of the bedding. Well-made bedding will last longer and resist wear and tear better than cheaper alternatives.

Design and Aesthetics; Colors, Patterns, Themes

What to Avoid When Choosing the Kids or Nursery Bedding?

You now know what are the key points to keep in mind when selecting the kids or nursery bedding. It is just as important to be aware of things to actively avoid -

1. Avoid Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester and other synthetic material are not as breathable as natural fibers. These can cause overheating and make the bed very uncomfortable for your child.
2. Avoid Overly Plush or Fluffy Bedding: it might be tempting to choose plush bedding for its softness but they often are made plush by fibers sticking out. This could be a potential suffocation hazard.
3. Avoid Excessive Layers: Too many blankets or extra pillows can lead to overheating, which in turn is unsafe for babies and uncomfortable for older children.
4. Avoid Bedding That is Toxic: The skin absorbs toxins directly into the body, so anything that is close to the skin such as the child's bedding  can have a high impact on your child's health. Being aware of the make up of the bedding will go a long way in ensuring their good health.

Why Choosing the Right Bedding is So Important

The bedding you choose for your baby or child plays a significant role in the room and in your child's life.

1. Directly impacts health
2. Has safety implications
3. Affects Sleep Quality
4. Provides the aesthetic to the room

 As children grow, the bedding continues to play a role in their sleep quality, which affects their mood, development, and overall well-being.

Read Product Descriptions Carefully

Before you purchase, read the product description carefully. Know the fabric it is made of. Check if it is machine washable and easy to care for. Also remember to check if the print is available in the size you need. You need to be extra careful if your crib is not of the standard size or shape .

The crib or bed takes up the main space in the room. It naturally follows that the Kids or nursery bedding covering it will make the difference between a room that sparkles and one that fades or worse, creates chaos. Find your inspiration here!

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