Baby Boy Crib Bedding

Top Ten Things about Baby Boy Crib Bedding

 So many things go into boy crib bedding, its hard to narrow it down to one definitive list.  But we tried, and below is a cheat sheet of information, focusing on some of the most important things that every parent should know about baby boy bedding.

1) Purchasing a Crib - When it comes to purchasing a crib, you will want something new or close to new. Cribs must be manufactured under safety guidelines that the government routinely updates, so any baby boy crib bedding you buy today might not fit something if it's more than a few years old.  If it's your budget you are worried about, you can easily find something practically new from friends or family who have a toddler or you can try searching online for something gently used.  No matter where you find your crib, make sure that you test it out for strength and ensure that the bedding fits securely.

2) Washing your Baby Boy Bedding - Machine washable is the way to go with boy crib bedding sets.  I would recommend you check the label closely so that you can insure that you are purchasing a Machine Washable Boys Baby Bedding set. When you do wash, use a hot cycle to kill any germs and help reduce any dust mites or allergens.  Allergens that will naturally get into bed can be a major cause of asthma for young children, so make sure you are routinely washing your baby's laundry!

3) Avoid Baby Bedding Suffocation Risks - The highest risk your baby faces with their crib is the risk of suffocation.  Make sure any loose articles like teddy bears, toys, pillows, and extra blankets are removed from your baby's crib when he is sleeping.  Make sure anything that is attached to the crib, like a bumper or a mobile is securely installed.  And most importantly, make sure your baby is sleeping on his back in the center of the crib.

4) Baby Boy Bedding Sets Don't Need Flat Sheets - While you expect bedding sets to come with a fitted sheet and a flat sheet, baby boy crib bedding sets will most likely only come with the fitted sheet.  Don't worry though, you're not getting cheated, flat sheets are just unnecessary for a baby's crib.  The loose fabric isn't good for a baby, who could easily get twisted up in the sheet and possibly suffocate.

5) Save the Comforter - A cute comforter will come included with most baby boy bedding sets, but you actually won't want it in your baby's crib.  While your baby boy is still under a year old, keep it out of your child's crib.  If you're concerned about him being too cold during the night, make sure to dress him warmly in a sleep sack that will keep him snug without a blanket.

6) Installing a Bumper - Crib bumpers, which will come with most baby boy bedding sets, are a multi-functional item.  A bumper does exactly what its name implies; it keeps your baby from bumping his head too hard against the rails of his crib.  Since bumpers are made of fabric, most sets will come included with a matching one, so you are simultaneously adding some decorative flair to your crib.  When you install the bumper, just remember to securely attach it to the rails, and if it comes with ties, consider trimming them down so your baby won't get his little fingers tangled up in them.

7) Have Back-Up Bedding Ready - While your baby boy bedding should come with a fitted sheet, buying a few extras as a back-up is a highly recommended to cut down on the stress of late night accidents.  When you discover that your baby has wet the bed, having extra fitted sheets ready means that changing his bedding will be a snap.  All you have to do is switch out the wet sheet with a clean one, and its back to a peaceful night of rest.

8) Make Late Night Accidents Less Stressful - Another trick to get through those late night diaper changes is to place a rubber mattress protector under the fitted sheet in your baby's bed.  This nifty little rubber sheet simply acts a barrier between any late night leaks and your baby's mattress.  Sheets can be thrown in the wash, but a soiled mattress is a much trickier mess to tackle.  With the rubber mattress protector, all you need to do is wipe it down with baby wipes or disinfecting anti-bacterial wipes after an accident, and cover it up again with a clean fitted sheet.

9) Look for Hypoallergenic Baby Bedding - Babies have incredibly sensitive skin.  While it's completely common for babies to experience rashes and breakouts, you can take some steps to help reduce the risk of irritating their skin or inducing a reaction.  Hypoallergenic fabrics are made to produce fewer allergic reactions, so read the labels on what your are purchasing to make sure it is non-allergenic.

10) Avoid Perfumes and Dyes When Washing Your Baby Bedding - You might love the smell of clean laundry infused with a pretty scent from a fabric softener, but all of those perfumes and dyes can cause your baby's skin to react.  For years, companies have produced laundry detergent that was specially formulate for babies, but now that more and more adults are sensitive to the perfumes and dyes in laundry detergents, you can get away with purchasing sensitive skin detergent for the whole family.