Baby Bedding Sets and Other Nursery Essentials

There are three essential items required in every baby's nursery. The most important one is the crib. Next, you need a safe and convenient place to change diapers and clothes, and lastly, you must have somewhere to store all the baby accessories you'll use everyday, like diapers, extra baby bedding sets, blankets and toys.

You'll probably spend some time choosing things to make life a bit easier, like a Diaper Genie or a waterproof pad for the crib. But selecting the perfect crib for your baby will probably take the most time.

Selecting Your Baby's Crib

While there are round styles available, the traditional drop side crib and the convertible crib remain favorites among new parents. The drop side railing makes it convenient to get to baby, and can be used until your baby is about two years old. (Or until they figure out how to climb out!)

The convertible crib can be transformed to a toddler bed as your child grows and will generally serve your child well for five or six years.

Always remember that safety comes first, no matter which style crib you choose. More expensive cribs are not necessarily safer. Your best indication of crib safety is the presence of the approval sticker from the JPMA - the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

The space between the railing bars should be no wider than 2-3/8 inches. A soda can shouldn't be able to fit through the space. Also be aware of headboards and footboards with decorative cutouts that could trap fingers or toes, or arms and legs.

If you'll be using a second-hand crib, or a borrowed one, make sure it was manufactured after 1991. All cribs made since then comply with safety regulations.

Selecting the Right Crib Mattress

The mattress for your crib will probably be sold separately from the crib itself. Choose one that fits closely in the crib. You don't want to be able to get more than two adult fingers between the mattress and the crib. Also check the firmness carefully, as that's probably the most important characteristic of the crib mattress. It needs to be firm enough to solidly support your baby's still developing spine, neck, and muscles.

An added measure of safety is to look for a mattress that's fire retardant, waterproof, odor proof and has a staph guard. Stain resistance and tear resistance are also helpful to have.

If you use a traditional crib, then using a square cornered mattress that fits snugly in the crib will reduce the risk of your baby coming to any harm from getting an arm or leg caught between the mattress and the crib.

Taking the time to select the perfect crib for your baby will allow both of you to get a good night's sleep every night.