So you’re an expecting parent strolling through a baby store looking at all the things you’ll need to register for or buy for yourself. There’s an amazing array of toys and gadgets, and those little miniature clothes that are just impossibly small. Then you walk down the aisle with the baby crib bedding sets and you almost pass out when you see prices ranging from $150 to $300.
Is it really necessary to spend that kind of money on a baby crib bedding set?
In our opinion…no. Most crib bedding sets come with a quilt, bumper, fitted crib sheet, and a dust ruffle. Some sets also include a diaper stacker and window valance.
Out of all those things, the only you really need is the fitted crib sheet!
You should never give your baby a quilt because it could be a suffocation hazard. You’re much better off swaddling him in a light receiving blanket or Swaddle-Me.
Crib bumpers are designed to prevent minor injuries that could occur when the baby bumps his head against the side or pokes an arm or leg through the slats. But the truth is they provide a false sense of security. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics showed that between 1985 and 2005, 27 children died from suffocation or strangulation caused by crib bumper pads and ties.
Bumpers can also increase the risk of SIDS if the baby gets his face too close to the bumper and rebreathes exhaled carbon dioxide instead of fresh air. In our opinion, the risk of serious injury or death outweighs any benefit of preventing minor bumps and bruises.
Now, what about the dust ruffle?
Sure, it looks nice and adds a little color to the room but it is hardly a baby nursery essential. But these also sold individually so there’s no need to buy the whole crib bedding set to get one.
The diaper stacker is a complete waste. It’s really just a piece of cloth with a hook on it, and you use it to store your diapers for changing time. But you should already have plenty of storage bins and baskets laying around so the diaper stacker is just unnecessary.
Including a window valance in a crib bedding set is a sneaky way to get you to spend more money. First of all, you don’t really need it, but if you do decide to use it to decorate the baby nursery you’ll be disappointed that they only include one valance. If the nursery has more than one window, you’ll be going back to the store and buying more individual valances to decorate the rest of the windows.
To summarize, it’s our opinion that most baby crib bedding sets are a waste of money. You’re much better off just buying a few fitted crib sheets and perhaps a dust ruffle individually. You can always pick up other pieces, such as the window valances, individually as well. This way you’ll only spend a fraction of the money and you won’t be stuck with extra items you don’t really need.
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