What to Avoid in Baby Crib Bedding

Every parent wants to provide a newborn with attractive baby bedding. However, there are some things that should be avoided out of safety concerns.

Never buy baby crib bedding that has to be dry-cleaned. For one thing, it will be inconvenient and expensive, since baby bedding sets get soiled quickly. More importantly, standard dry cleaners normally use a solvent called perchlorethylene, or PERC. Studies have shown that it can cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. It can also irritate the eyes and respiratory system. There is also some evidence that it can increase the risk of cancer. Due to an infant’s smaller size and immature respiratory system, PERC should never be used on your crib bedding.

Always use fitted sheets that conform tightly to the mattress. If they are too loose, baby can pull them loose and they then pose a suffocation risk. If you use a blanket with your baby crib bedding, tuck it in firmly at the foot or sides and do not let the top edge go higher than your baby’s neck. If you use layered clothing or sleeping bag style gowns, you may be able to forego blankets altogether.

Pillows are cute and add a nice decorating touch. However, while they are often included in crib bedding sets, that is all they should be used for. Do not leave them in the crib.

Do not use  your crib bedding set until it has been washed. It is not absolutely necessary to purchase special soaps for baby’s laundry, but do use a good one. Some of the cheap or store brand soaps can irritate even an adult’s skin, so imagine how much worse they can be on a baby’s tender skin. Make sure baby bedding set is rinsed thoroughly, even if it means running the load through an extra rinse cycle.

Baby crib bedding that is adorned with buttons, ribbons, or other small trims should not be used. These items can pose a choking hazard should they come loose and baby get them into the mouth.

Contrary to popular belief and the propensity for manufacturers to include them in crib bedding sets, bumper pads are unnecessary and can actually be dangerous. They were originally used to keep baby’s head from sliding between the slats. New cribs have strict safety requirements on the spacing of slats, so this is not an issue unless you are using an old crib. Bumper pads usually have string ties, which can be hazardous, and if the pads themselves are too soft, they pose a suffocation hazard. If you decide to use them, make sure that there is no space between the pad and the mattress.

Fluffy bedding such as quilts should be avoided until the baby is older. These pose a suffocation hazard, which decreases once baby can easily move his or her head. Lightweight blankets that the baby can handle with ease are best if you must use a blanket at all.

Avoid any baby bedding that is filled with feathers or foam nuggets. Feathers can aggravate allergies, and both types of items have small items that pose a choking hazard. Any blankets or quilts should feature a solid fill, which is the normal filling for most types of baby bedding.