There are so many products for baby’s these days that sometimes it’s hard to know what you actually need and what you really don’t need to ensure the utmost safety for your new baby.  It can be overwhelming and confusing.  Bedding of course is essential, but babies really don't need much.  There are many different kinds to fit all kinds of budgets.  The following information will help you decide what to get.

Bumper pads use to be a necessity back when the slats in cribs were farther apart and the baby could slip his or her head through them and get hurt. Now that the United States and Canada require all cribs have closer slats, we no longer need the pads. In fact it can be a danger to your child. Many agencies are recommending against these products because they put your baby at risk for suffocation. Crib bumper’s can restrict a child's breathing if the bumper covers the baby’s nose or mouth. This risk is greatest when the baby is very young and cannot move away from potential hazards.

Also, the bumper pads restrict the flow of fresh air to the baby during sleep. This causes the rebreathing of air and is a great concern and possible contributing factor to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Although bumper pads look awfully cute in a perfectly matched nursery set, why take a chance? Some parents worry about their baby hitting his or her head against the rails, but Health Canada says the chances of that happening are nearly impossible. If a baby gets either its arm or leg stuck in between the slats he or she will alert the parent with it’s cries. There are now mesh bumpers on the market today if you are concerned with your child sticking his arm or leg out of the crib. These do not restrict the flow of air to the baby and are much safer. They sell for approximately $30 in most stores.

Do you need a whole matching set or should you buy piece by piece? Many companies package their bedding products in sets that include a bumper pad, sheet, crib ruffle, comforter, a diaper bag and a little pillow. All that is essential in that package really is the sheet, so if you are on a budget you don’t need to buy a matching set. In fact most leading safety organizations recommend an empty crib with only a sheet. No blankets, toys, pillows or anything else. Stick with buying separates. In fact the whole set is made for decoration and is not a necessary purchase.

The most important thing for your baby is that the products are soft, preferably 100% organic cotton. Stay away from synthetic fibers if you can help it. They give off gases and cotton is the healthiest. Make sure the fabrics are machine washable and easy to take care of. You may be disheartened when the baby spits up on a very expensive comforter and stains it.

A firm mattress is also a necessity. A soft mattress has been associated with the occurrence of SIDS. To protect against SIDS read the following guidelines.

* Babies should be placed on their backs even if they look more comfortable on their tummies. Babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides have a much greater incidence of SIDS.

* Keep the crib in the parents bedroom until there are 6 months old. Babies are safest when their beds are close to their mother.

* Adult beds are not safe for babies. Keep them in a crib or bassinet near the mother, but not in the same bed.

* Don’t over over heat the baby with too many clothes. Just keep them comfortable enough so they do not need a blanket. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS.

* Breast feed babies are the healthiet and also have a lower occurrence of SIDS.

* Keep your baby away from smoke. The greater the infants exposure to tobacco smoke, the greater their risk of SIDS.

* Keep your baby away from people with any kind of respiratory infections. SIDS occurs often in association with minor gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Always have the person who wants to hold your baby wash their hands before.

* Babies who suck on pacifiers have a lower rate of SIDS.

It’s a lot of fun to decorate the nursery and make it special. However, keep in mind that the only necessity for you baby’s bedding is a solid crib with a firm mattress and organic cotton sheets. Save your money for college instead!