Baby Bedding and Bedding Safety
 Baby Bedding is a generic term used to describe the myriad of bedding options parent's can encounter when decorating their little ones' nursery. Baby Bedding, also referred to as nursery or infant bedding, encompasses crib and cradle bedding, bassinet bedding and portacrib and toddler bedding. Each baby bedding type is briefly discussed below.
Crib Bedding, the most popular form of baby bedding, can be purchased in pre-packaged sets or as separates. A four piece crib bedding set contains a fitted crib sheet, bumper pad, crib skirt (also referred to as a dust ruffle) and quilt or crib blanket. The crib quilt is often very colorful and many parents will use it as a wall hanging to decorate the nursery. Accessories such as receiving blankets, diaper stackers, pillows, window treatments and toy bags are available for many bedding collections. Most crib bedding is made from all-cotton fabric.
Most cradle bedding is made to fit an 18" x 36" cradle which is roughly the same size as the cradle mattress pad. This miniature type of baby bedding is sold in pre-packaged sets containing a bumper pad, fitted sheet and a quilt. Hoohobbers and PatchKraft® make a complete line of cradle bedding which coordinates with their crib bedding collections.
Portacrib or Portable Crib Bedding
Portable cribs are on average 30 - 35% smaller than standard cribs which make them perfect solution fitting in tight spaces such as hotel rooms and guest rooms. Portable crib bedding is generally sold in pre-packaged sets containing a bumper pad, fitted sheet and a quilt. 
Toddler bedding is becoming much more popular as many new styles of baby cribs convert to a toddler bed. A toddler bed uses the headboard, footboard, support rails and mattress from the crib. Other than the bumper pad, most crib bedding peices can be transitioned to toddler bedding. Toddler bedding is traditionally sold in four piece sets containing a quilt, fitted sheet, top sheet and pillow case. Fireside Comfort, PJ's Kids and Baby Doll are leading manufacturers of pre-packaged toddler bedding.
There is nothing more lovely than an heirloom bassinet that has been passed down in one family from generation to generation. One way that a family bassinet can be personalized for each new birth is with new bedding. Bassinet bedding is most commonly sold in sets of two and three pieces. A two piece set generally contains the liner and hood cover while a three piece set is packaged with a fitted sheet.
There are two sizes of bassinets common on the U.S. market which are referred to as a standard bassinet and a jumbo bassinet. Standard bassinets frequently have mattress pads that measure 13" x 29" while a jumbo bassinets mattress pad frequently measures 16" x 33".
Child safety is every parents concern. To help provide a safe environment for your baby to sleep, baby bedding must always be used as instructed by the manufacturer. The Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) encourages parents to adhere to the following guidelines for safe infant sleeping practices.
Infant should always sleep in a crib which meets current federal and ASTM standards.
Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
Always use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.
Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place.
Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself/herself up.
Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags or any other surfaces that are not specifically designed for infant sleep.
For Babies Under 12 Months......
Normal, healthy infants should always sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.
Cover baby with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborns, consider swaddling.
Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering.
For safety information on other products such as car seats, changing tables and crib, view the JPMA's brochure entitled Safe and Sound for Baby.
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Bassinets and large wicker items are excluded. 
