One of the most delightful parts of planning for a new baby is decorating his new room. Most parents have a theme in mind for the perfect nursery. You should select bedding that goes along with this theme and will be comfortable for your new baby.
Baby's First Comforter
You can either buy a comforter, make one, or have one made to meet your specifications. Popular themes include farm or jungle animals, stars and moon, sun and clouds, sports, clowns, and geometric shapes.
If you plan on making your own comforter, sew any appliques on firmly and don't use glue-on decorations. Match the comforter to the climate where you live. If you live in an area that experiences more extreme temperatures (very hot in summer and very cold in winter), you may want to have two theme blankets available, one thicker and one lighter.
Also have receiving blankets on hand for times when the comforter is in the wash, or for warmer days when Baby needs only a light covering.
Sheets
Continuing your decorative theme on the crib sheets may result in too "busy" a look. You may want to tone things down a little by purchasing solid-color sheets that match the main color or colors in your theme.
Make sure you purchase sheets that fit very snugly, without wrinkles.
Dust Ruffle
A dust ruffle can add charm to your baby's crib. As with sheets, you may want to select a solid color. However, this is ultimately up to you. Try to view a complete bedding set in the store or online before making your purchase so you can see how it all fits together.
Bumper
A bumper is a must for your baby's crib. Bumpers keep Baby from banging his head on the crib slats and from poking curious fingers through them and possibly getting stuck. Some parents opt for vinyl bumpers, which are easier to wash, but a nicely matching fabric bumper can make for a charming look.
Pillows
Pediatricians agree: NEVER put a pillow in bed with your child under 12-18 months. However, you might place a pillow in the crib for show, just as you use throw-pillows on your own bed when you're not in it. Take the pillow out when Baby goes down for his nap or at bedtime.
Wall Decorations
If moon-and-stars is your baby bedding theme, hang a picture of a moon and one of a star on opposite walls. If you're partial to jungle animals, put a up a jungle print or two. Your baby will appreciate the stimulation in quiet moments.
Matching Furniture
You can also easily match Baby's furniture to his bedding by adding appliques or by painting theme-related pictures on his dresser and changing table. Lambs jumping from wall to dresser to crib bumper can be an adorable look for your baby's nursery. Or buy under-the-sea bedding and paint a fisherman in a boat on your baby's dresser.
It's easy to accessorize to match or enhance your choice of baby bedding. If you're still uncertain what you really want, keep it simple, and buy a few choice accessories. Switch them around as Baby gets older. This will keep his nursery interesting to him and pleasing to you.
