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Baby Crib Sets: A Shopping Guide

by Theri Andino (Subscribe to Theri Andino's posts)
Jun 28th 2010 10:00AM

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Filed under: Babies


It's OK to stick with the basics when selecting your baby crib sets. Credit: Getty


There are really only three things you must have for a functional baby crib set: crib sheets, blankets and a waterproof pad of some sort.

You'll probably want to have several of each, however, so that you don't have to constantly run loads of laundry to be able to put your sweet baby to rest. You can, of course, supplement your baby's crib set with all manner of other accessories -- crib bumpers, crib skirts, comforters, curtains, rocking chair covers, diaper organizers, changing table covers -- the list goes on and on.

It can be a little dizzying to take it all, though, so here are some guidelines for the big three necessities, along with websites you can visit to help get you and your baby on the right path.
Crib Sheets: Just like bed sheets, baby crib sheets come in wide variety of colors, patterns, thread counts and quality. While you may find one particular design you absolutely love, you also can switch things up by having a variety of sheets on hand.
  • Pottery Barn Kids offers a great variety of complete baby crib sets, along with crib sheets available individually. Prices for sheets only are around $16 each, and complete baby crib sets run about $99 and up.
  • Eden Home has a lovely selection of organic baby crib bedding in both woven and jersey knit styles, although they are a bit pricier at $45 per sheet.

Blankets: You'll find that several lightweight blankets you can layer will generally be more useful to you than one heavier one. Jersey knit styles are great, as are flannel baby blankets. You can, of course, use quilts and knit or crocheted blankets, but just make sure you keep any blanket away from your baby's face while she sleeps. Baby blankets also are great for many other uses -- in the stroller, as sun screens, play mats, impromptu changing stations or peek-a-boo curtains, and more. Be sure to keep one at hand at all times.
  • Big-box stores such as Target have nice selections of baby blankets in lots of different styles, weights and colors. Selection is likely to vary from season to season, so if you're hooked on one pattern or coordinating set, stock up while you can. Expect to spend anywhere from about $5 to $50 on blankets at these retailers.
  • You also can find a nice variety of different brands and styles all in one place at websites such as AOL Shopping. Carters (who also makes just about anything else you'd ever need to outfit or swaddle your baby) is one label we love.

Waterproof Mattress Pad: This one might be a little tricky to find, but trust us, it's worth it, as it will help save the rest of your baby crib bedding -- and your sanity -- when it comes to cleaning up after inevitable accidents. Choose a mattress pad that you can just toss in the washer. You'll find styles that are fitted to cover the entire mattress and smaller pads designed to sit on top of the mattress under the crib sheet. We recommend stocking up on some of both, as they can be handy for a lot of other uses too -- especially as portable changing pads.
  • Kohl's has a nice selection of both fitted waterproof mattress pads and loose waterproof pads. Prices for fitted mattress pads hover right around $20 and smaller pads run close to $15 for a set of two or three.
  • Amazon.com is another good place to search for a lot of different items all in one place. The site offers pages and pages full of crib mattress pads, so you're sure to find one that suits your crib.

Tags: baby-bedding, baby-crib-sets, babycribset, crib-sets, parent-dish

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