Theme bedding, including a matching blanket, sheets, bumper and dust ruffle can make your baby's room charming. You can make or buy virtually any theme or style your like of bedding. Popular baby bedding themes include the following:
- Wild Animals
- Teddy Bears
- Sports
- Ballerinas
- Cartoon or Movie Characters
- Bugs
- Outdoor Themes
- Color Themes
- Circus
- On the Farm
- Geometric Shapes
- Balloons
- Celestial
Sheets
Start with a cozy blanket. Avoid ruffles and lumpy or overly heavy bedding, as these can pose a suffocation hazard to your baby. If you choose appliques or tassels for your baby's blanket, be sure they are sewn on tightly. Never glue pieces onto a baby blanket without using thread around the perimeter for reinforcement.Keep at least 6 or 7 sheets in your baby's closet. These can match the theme of the blanket, or be in a neutral color. Make sure the sheets are fitted and cover the mattress securely. The sheet should lie flat across the mattress and the elastic corners should fit snugly down to the bottoms of the mattress. Never put loose sheets on your baby's bed.
Bumper
A bumper can help keep baby from accidentally being stuck between the slats of the crib or bumping his or her head at night. The best bumpers are either vinyl or cloth and securely tie onto the crib slats in at least six places. Secure it very tightly and make sure the bumper is flush against the top of the mattress.Pillows
Do not use pillows at this stage. Most pediatricians recommend that your baby be at least a year old before a small, flat, firm pillow can be placed in his or her crib or bed. Always ask your pediatrician before giving your baby a pillow.Fabrics
The best fabrics to use for your baby's bedding are made of breathable, washable fabrics. Cotton is always a good choice. Buy color-safe fabrics, as you will be washing your baby's bedding frequently.Flannel is a warm and cozy fabric, but it is not always as stretchable as cotton or cotton blends. No matter what fabric you decide to use, be sure baby's sheets fit very firmly across the mattress.
Homemade Bedding
Making and decorating your baby's bedding by hand can be a rewarding activity. If you have the time and a good sewing machine, visit a fabric store and browse through the baby bedding patterns. You can also make your own decorations and sew them onto an existing blanket. Be sure to sew these on very securely, and do not use very small pieces that could inadvertently end up in baby's mouth.Use the fabric suggestions above, or ask a fabric store employee what the most popular and practical fabrics are for making baby bedding. Take your time and do a quality job. These items will probably become your baby's keepsakes one day.
Making or buying your baby's bedding can be a fun and productive way to spend part of the last months of your pregnancy. Get creative with your ideas and enjoy the process. Focus on the bedding you have always dreamed for a little one, and ultimately you will both be happy.