Online baby boutiques have been springing up everywhere... so where to buy? Use the following buyer's guide to determine whether or not the boutique you've selected will offer everything you need in a crib bedding store. Hold your choice up against the following list, and see how they fare before making your decision:



Return Policy - Sure that online boutique is cute, but do they offer a return policy? If so, what can you expect from it? The better and more reputable baby boutiques will offer a full refund on their merchandise, within a reasonable time period. Sometimes a nursery decor simply doesn't match right, and you'll want to know you can have a no-hassle return in the case the bedding arrives and you're simply not satisfied with it. Check to make certain there are no hidden terms or conditions. A good boutique will have no trouble accepting back their own merchandise.

Free Shipping - This isn't just a common practice these days, it's nearly a given. As more and more shipping companies compete for business, the cost of shipping most items has dropped dramatically. A good baby boutique will offer free shipping to its customers, especially on a purchase as significant as a crib bedding set. Obtaining free shipping from the company you purchase from leads to one less hassle, and one less place to be hit with hidden charges.

High-End Bedding - Only the best baby boutiques are selected to offer name brand luxury crib bedding. More popular ones include Serena & Lily, Caden Lane, and Glenna Jean to name a few. Any boutique not carrying the more finer lines of crib bedding carry a lot less legitimacy, and you should therefore consider them more carefully before buying from them.

Swatches - As online shopping becomes more and more common, people are increasingly buying items without seeing or touching them. If in doubt about a color or fabric, ask your baby boutique if they can send you sample swatches of the material. A good boutique will carry such swatches, especially on the higher-end products. Seeing and feeling your baby's bedding in advance gives you a lot more feel for what your nursery will turn out like, and plus you can use that swatch to match a paint color for the walls as well.

Selection - The bedding boutique you buy from should carry a large selection of colors and patterns from which to choose. Getting your nursery decor exactly the way you want it is often challenging, and a boutique with more options allows for more flexibililty when trying to match the rest of your baby's room. Bedding might also come in one particular color but in several patterns of that color, making it easier to exchange sets if you decide to change your mind.

Bedding Accessories - Before buying, make sure the boutique offers all of the accessories for that particular line of bedding. A usual 4-piece bedding set includes a crib quilt, a bumper, a sheet, and a crib skirt. Most times a bedding line will include extra accent pillows, shams, and throws, while some even have matching valances and lamps. You might not want these initially, but once your purchase arrives it's nice to know you can go back and get the matching accessories in the event you change your mind. Deal with a boutique carrying a full line of product, and not just certain items.

Finding the right crib bedding is only half the battle. With a little homework, and by following the examples in the above guide, you'll be able to select the right boutique to go along with it. Good luck and happy shopping!