Fitted crib sheets. Quilts. Swaddles. Crib skirts. The number of items in a crib bedding set can feel confusing. What's essential, which pieces will you need more than one of, and which pieces can you go without?
Knowing what crib bedding you need, especially as a first-time parent, can feel overwhelming. As a seasoned mom of three, I can tell you that when preparing nursery bedding, the key is to balance safety, functionality, and style with your budget. In this guide, I'll explain what a baby bedding set typically includes, which extra pieces you'll need to buy individually, and how to set up your baby's crib with safety, style, and practicality in mind.
What Is Included in a Crib Bedding Set?
Crib bedding sets typically include a few themed nursery bedding essentials. Exact sets may vary, often featuring at least three or more items such as:
- Fitted crib sheet
- Baby quilt
- Nursery blanket
- Crib skirt
- Decorative pillows (for nursery décor only)
- Window valance
- Wall décor
- Coordinating nursery accessories
Modern baby bedding sets have evolved alongside safe sleep recommendations. For example, outdated collections may include crib bumpers, which are no longer safe for newborns. When shopping, keep safe sleep guidelines in mind.
What Bedding Does Your Baby Actually Need?
The number of baby bedding items you'll use on a regular basis is fewer than you might think. As far as needs, prioritize safe sleep essentials first, and add decorative items as needed to achieve that cozy nursery feeling.
Safe Sleep Essentials
What do you need for a crib? During the first year, your baby only needs a few essentials:
- Firm crib mattress in a safe crib
- Fitted crib sheets with a snug fit
- A mattress protector
- Wearable blankets
To follow safe sleep guidelines, you should put your newborn to sleep on their back in an empty crib. The only bedding you'll need is fitted crib sheets and a mattress protector. Wearable blankets appropriately sized for your baby are the only safe blankets you can use until your baby turns one. You'll mostly use these during colder months or if your baby's nursery is cool.
For practical reasons, it's worthwhile buying a few sets of fitted sheets. This way, you're prepared in case your baby spits up or has an accident.
Decorative vs. Functional Bedding
Some items in crib bedding sets are meant for decorative purposes rather than as functional bedding.
For example, quilts and blankets are mostly for decor. You may lay them over your baby when they're in the car seat for colder months or use them as a play mat during supervised play. However, your baby can't start using blankets for sleep until they are at least one year old.
Benefits of Buying a Complete Crib Bedding Set
Crib bedding sets are popular for a reason. Buying a complete set means you can get most items you need and then supplement with a few extra pieces like additional fitted sheets. Here are the main benefits, explained:
Coordinated Nursery Design
A crib bedding set is a matching set that can serve as a base for decorating the entire nursery. Most notably, you'll get matching colors and consistent patterns for easier decorating.
Convenience
Everything is designed to work together in a baby bedding set. For example, the crib skirt matches the fitted sheet. Plus, you'll get one or two of each item.
Better Overall Value
Purchasing in a set means bundled pricing. Plus, coordinating accessories are included, which may be pricier when you buy them individually.
Nice Gift Option
Bedding sets make popular baby shower gifts. Usually featuring between three and six items, a set is fancier than an individual gift.
Benefits of Buying Individual Nursery Pieces
Buying individual nursery pieces also offers benefits. Even if you do purchase a bedding set or two, you'll likely need to get some individual extras. Here's when it makes most sense to buy individual pieces:
Greater Flexibility
You can mix and match styles to personalize the nursery with your favorite colors and patterns. If you have a more eclectic style and want to change out colors, buying individual pieces is also a better fit.
Budget-Friendly Purchasing
If you prefer to spread out your purchases over time and buy only what you need, purchasing individual pieces is also a great choice. You can start with a few essentials and purchase more crib sheets or blankets as you need them.
Easier to Replace Items
When replacing items or adding an extra crib sheet to the mix, buying an individual piece is easiest.
Ideal for Minimalist Nurseries
If your focus is on creating a simple, functional nursery, choosing one piece at a time is also preferred.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Trying to decide whether to choose a bedding set or buy individual pieces? In my opinion, you can do both. You might buy one bedding set and supplement it with individual pieces, such as extra crib sheets. Here's an overview of how to make your choice.
Choose a Bedding Set If...
- You want a coordinated nursery.
- You appreciate convenience.
- You're decorating from scratch.
- You're creating a registry.
Buy Individual Pieces If...
- You're updating an existing nursery.
- You prefer mixing patterns.
- You're working within a strict budget.
- You already own some essentials.
- You want to supplement a set.
What Nursery Bedding Is Safe for Sleep?
Following safe sleep recommendations is important so you can keep your baby safe. The safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics apply to babies 12 months and younger.
The only nursery bedding that's safe for infants includes:
- Fitted crib sheets
- Wearable blankets
- Swaddles (only safe until baby can roll over)
Only use loose blankets after your baby's first birthday.
You can use quilts as a playmat for supervised tummy time during your baby's first year of life. Other items, like pillows, are only meant to serve as nursery decor. For example, you can add a pillow or a plushie to your rocker or glider.
Building a Nursery Beyond the Crib
Complete your nursery by coordinating other decor with your crib bedding. Some popular items to include are:
- Mobiles
- Nursery Wall Décor
- Lamps
- Window treatments like curtains and valances
- Plush Toys
- Storage baskets
These items help create a cohesive nursery that your child will enjoy. Mobiles and wall decór offer your baby interesting things to look at when they're falling asleep or after waking up. As they grow, you can adjust the décor to match their interests.
Common Crib Bedding Buying Mistakes
It's easy to make mistakes, especially as a first-time parent. When I was shopping for my firstborn, I didn't buy enough fitted crib sheets and ended up having to get more. Some other common mistakes are:
- Assuming every bedding set includes the same items. Be sure to read the description before purchasing.
- Prioritizing appearance over practicality. Life with a newborn is hard enough. Choose easy-to-use items like fitted crib sheets with elastic all the way around. Also, choose wearable blankets with zippers.
- Forgetting safe sleep guidelines. Certain items, like crib bumpers and pillows, are not safe for infants under 12 months old.
- Purchasing décor that doesn't fit long-term nursery plans. Choosing a few plain-colored crib sheets that you can continue to use, even as your child's tastes change, is always a wise move.
Fortunately, most of these mistakes are easy to avoid and are easily remedied.
Choosing Nursery Bedding That Fits Your Family
Whether you choose a crib bedding set or individual pieces, or a combination of both, depends on your family's needs and preferences. Opting for a crib bedding set offers a set of coordinated pieces that set the tone for a beautiful nursery. However, buying baby bedding as individual pieces is a more flexible solution.
Would you like some more nursery bedding ideas? Shop Lambs & Ivy's crib bedding sets, crib sheets, baby blankets, and coordinating nursery decor for high-quality items your little one will love.
