Searching For the Best Fabric for Your Crib Bedding

Girl baby bedding: pink and frilly. Boy crib bedding: space explorers. I think you've forgotten something! Baby bedding is cute, but there is much more to consider than just appearances.

It can be difficult to tell if a baby has any allergies or sensitivities, and most nurseries are planned before the baby is even born. That is why you need to choose your baby bedding based on materials first and appearances second. If it's good, the baby bedding will have a list of fill materials and fill power - higher fill means fluffier and longer-lasting. It will also tell you the thread count and the cover fabric. The first thing you might consider is the warmth of the bedding, especially if you're having a winter baby, but it should also be lightweight and breathable. All the information you need should be available online, so take the time to research different baby bedding options.

No one wants their baby to suffer from allergies, so choose fabrics that reduce the risk, like cotton or wool (that also includes alpaca or llama wool). Avoid synthetic fabrics, as many of them don't breathe and they may break down as they age, cause the release of toxic gases. If you have decided on a bedding set such as a baby bedding set, that is primarily cotton but doesn't have some polyester, then you will have to decide if the small risk is worth it to get the bedding you really want.

Not everyone agrees, but many people state that their preference is for wool blankets because of their softness and comfort. When choosing a wool blanket, look for an organic or unbleached cotton flannel. Smaller blankets are perfect for swaddling; larger ones are just right for car trips and naptime.

Down comforters can be a great choice - they have a natural filler that is both lightweight and warm at the same time. It is important to look for one that is machine washable because babies will be babies. The cleaner the down inside the comforter, the less likely it will cause sensitivities. The oxygen and turbidity tests are used to measure the cleanliness of down filler. For the oxygen test, a lower number is better - with 10 being the government standard. The turbidity test works in the opposite way, with a higher number being better.