This guide is to help you when purchasing Baby Bedding and Tips on Nursery Furniture.

Things to consider in the bedding:  Price, Design / Style, Manufacturer / Quality

Price:  Of course this is probably the first thing many people check before committing to buy.  Especially if you are reading this as an Ebay member.  You are on Ebay for a bargain!  Price is very important in regards to personal budget and quality of the product.  To budget properly fot the bedding, one must purchase the absolutes first.  Here is a great list that I have created to help you along the way.  This list is a Nursery Priority List - the first items being the most important. And a small guide beside each item for you.

1. Crib - You should make sure of a few important things here - check that the crib is JPMA certified - this will ensure the item meets all government standards.   Hardwood cribs are great, as are oak, pine, birch, etc..  Make sure to check what type of wood it is.  Pressed wood will last 2-6 months, if you can get it together without breaking it.  Department stores are the best place to buy.  Best brand for baby cribs in mid-line pricing are:  Million Dollar Baby, Angel Line (which shares the exact same distributor as million dollar baby and they are cheaper), Storkcraft, Delta.  Prices range from 135.00 - 450.00.  There are many types of crib - try to steer away from the veneers and pressed woods. 

    You DO NOT need a full sized crib for it to be converted to a toddler bed!  Many retailers tend to mislead the consumer, by telling them the best is the full sized because it converts.  Well, yes, it does convert to toddler to full size.  And that is great.  However I, personally, have never seen the full sized converted  look good.  It still looks like a crib lol.  Also, if the bed will even last that long with the child - through crayons, gum, you name it.  Your single crib will convert as well - all of them do.  Just take off the side that drops.  that is all!  Many people do not realize that, so i hope that helps.   The major benefit of having a full size convertible crib is the aesthetics.  They are very pretty, and take up a lot of the room, to make the nursery look more full.  That works well, when you do not have the budget for a full outfit.

2. Changing Table - Same as above, check the wood.  You should try to avoid the pressed wood or veneers (they are very cheap and simply do not last).  Make sure it comes with drawers or shelves. Drawers are the best (they store more and when baby gets older, you can put a safety latch on them so baby cannot get in... you cannot latch an open shelf).  And the best changing tables come with the 2 inch changing pads with belt for baby.  Make sure to purchase a changing table pad cover.  The vinyl tends to stick to baby.  Price on these range from 100.00 - 350.00 (changing table dresser combos are great!)

3. Chest of Drawers - Dresser - Again, check the wood!!  Also, the best manufacturer's drawers come with the wall anchor.  This is so baby cannot tip the dresser onto him/herself.  The anchors come with 3,4,5 and 6 drawer upright dressers.  Look for the DOVETAIL drawers with metal slides.  The best for drawers in midline is angel line and million dollar baby.  Delta and storkcraft use plastic.  The dressers range from 160.00-550.00

4. Laundry Hamper - many people see this as an accessory, but it really is a must have,.  especially for larger homes.

5.  The Baby Bedding (including accessories) - There are literally thousands of sets to choose from.  You will need to choose your price range first, then the style you desire (animal, trains, etc..) The average for price on baby bedding is 150.00 for a 4-6 piece crib set.  Some 4 piece sets go as high as 400.00.  Please see style / design for more information on the 4-6 piece crib sets.  Nursery accessories will range from 100.00 - 200.00  depending on your items and baby bedding set.

Design / Style:   The style of the crib set is the second most important feature of the crib set next to price.  Some of the designs / styles are:  animals, religious, safari / jungle, trains, planes, automobiles, sports, patchwork, colors (greens, blues, pinks, etc..), shapes, ethnic, character prints (looney toons, pooh, precious moments, etc..).  Also the style regarding 4 or 6 piece sets.  Keep in mind the four piece set comes with a comforter, bumper padding, fitted crib sheet and dust ruffle.  The 6  piece sets come with comforter, bumper padding, fitted crib sheet, dust ruffle, valance and diaper stacker.  There are also the cheaper three piece sets which come with the comforter, bumper padding and fitted sheet.  DO NOT be duped by some retailers to purchase a 3 piece set for 99.00 + when that set comes in a 4 or 6 piece set originally.  Some retailers buy the 6 piece sets and break them down and make 35-100% more profit on the set.  Good for the retailer, bad for the consumer.

Once you have decided the design / style it is then time to move to which manufacturer.

Manufacturer:  There are almost as many manufacturer's of baby bedding as there are styles.  First thing is first when dealing with any retailer / manufacturer - look at the better business bureau for complaints.  Almost ALL business have a complaint or two, however you will know by the complaint type and amount whether or not that business is a good seller or manufacturer of the baby bedding. 

Comparison shop... go around to local store, feel the quality of the bedding.  You know what feels good on your skin will feel good to baby.  You would want soft sheets, and thick / well made comforters.  Note** Comforters are made to display, not to use for baby at night.   Make a list of all items in your budget and style that you like.  Go home, get online and start shopping!

Some great brands for baby bedding are (listed best first):

1. Glenna Jean - AWESOME quality products, ship times vary with the company to the retailers 4-12 weeks. (pricing - 199.99 - 395.00 for 4 piece sets)

2. Brandee Danielle - Good quality products , ship time same as glenna jean, mid to high range pricing (250.00-500.00 4 piece sets)

3. Kimberly Grant - Beautiful items - Very High Quality, Ship times are much shorter than brandee or glenna, mid-line pricing (4 piece sets 150 - 239.00)

4. Cocalo (Oshkosh Baby, Baby Martex) - High quality, very nice designs and styles, ship time same as kimberly grant mid-line pricing (100.00 - 198.00 4 - 6 piece sets).

Some other lines are as follows: Patchkraft, kidsline, lambs and ivy, dolly, suzy zoo. 

Your accessories for the nursery will largely depend on the set you choose.  Anymore, most baby bedding sets have a huge variety of accessories to follow.  Most important accessories (as per poll conducted by my company for 2006):

1. Diaper Stacker

2. Musical Mobile

3. Window Valance

4. Nursery Rug

6. Wall Paper Border

7. Wall Hangings

8. Baby Blankets

9. Lamp Base and Shade

10. Lamp Shade

Popular Baby Bedding Sets for 2007

1.  Sugar Plum 6 Piece Crib Set by CoCaLo

2.  Glenna Jean Mod Squad 5 Piece Crib Set with Diaper Stacker

3.  Chloe 4 Piece Crib Set by Glenna Jean

4.  Secret Garden 6 Piece Crib Set by Lambs & Ivy

5.  Blossoms 4 Piece Crib Set by Baby Martex

6.  Bubbles 6 Piece Crib Set by Lambs & Ivy

7.  Under Construction 4 Piece Crib Set by OshKosh Baby

8.  Baby Safari 4 Piece Crib Set by Kimberly Grant

9.  Wish Upon a Star 4 Piece Crib Set (Winnie the Pooh) by Disney Baby

10. Farm Yard 4 Piece Crib Set by Kimberly Grant

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I hope this has helped you out.  Thank you!