Choosing the bedding that you will use in your baby's crib is a fun and exciting project. There are so many choices that it is easy to worry about less critical factors, like pattern or color scheme. The important facts are to pick safe materials and more of them than you think you may need.

Any crib bedding must meet current flame retardant guidelines. There will be a tag on each set of crib bedding stating that it meets this standard. While most products that you find will meet this federal guideline, it pays to be safe and look for the tag, especially if you are purchasing used or older items. Crib bedding should also fit your crib exactly. You should not use bumper pads that sag or sheets that will not stay tucked in. Your baby's safety is priority and you do not want to expose him or her to any fabric that could fall across his or her face, especially as a newborn.

Once you're certain that your crib bedding is safe, make sure that you have enough. Babies are notorious for routinely soaking not only their diapers, but their entire outfit, as well as whatever they are laying on at the time. It is nice to always have a spare fitted sheet and blanket available, no matter how far behind you are with the laundry.

Once you have covered the basics, it is time to decide on your décor. There is so much cute crib bedding available that it can be difficult to make a choice. By purchasing from well-established manufacturers, such as Pottery Barn Kids, Kidsline, Blue Jean Teddy, or Carter's, you can be certain that, whatever choice you make, extra sheets and blankets in complimentary colors and patterns will be readily available. More modern décor options are hitting the market as well with options from designers like Dwell Baby.