Last year's shopping, checklists, and bedding threads.

[candace]

Thanks for the info, Kathwkittens, I ordered a doggie throw from the outlet and got free shipping. Cool! I am still deciding on what sheets to get for my son. CJ

[katwkittens]

The free shipping code APRWEL5 is no longer valid.

New free shipping code is: WEL5MAY. Valid as of 5/14/05.

Flannel sheet sets at JcPenney.com on online outlet under doorbusters are now 6.99 for twin sets.

Kat

[mishdoob1]

Another - more experienced- parent strongly recommended that I buy a plastic zip mattress cover for my S in case there are bed bugs in the mattress. And she said to buy early because they sell out (in fact, I checked one website - linen's and things I think, and they actually WERE sold out!).
I'd hate to make him sleep on on of those if not really necessary ...
Any thoughts ?
Thanks

[blip]

Thnks a lot OP!

[highanxiety]

I wouldn't use one of those plastic covers--they're good if you're just getting toilet trained, but after that it's an unpleasant feeling to have plastic crinkling under you. I don't think that bed bugs are as huge problem as overprotective parents! I know you love us, but. . .

[mishdoob1]

Anyone know whether there is a free shipping code for today's Wednesday's sales?

[evitajr1]

Bed Bat and Beyond has antimicrobial fabric sizzer covers for mattresses in stock now. You can check there. We were just at the store today. Also, until the 31st, the aerobed college twin is on sale for 59.99, and with a 20% discount in the mail, it was a great buy!

[katwkittens]

mishdoob1-

I posted the new valid free ship code right above your first post.

As of this morning:

WEL5MAY is still valid, 5/26/05 9:30am.

Have fun,

Kat

[mishdoob1]

Thanks - I'll check it out now! and at the risk of annoying anyone with this question, has it been determined that egg crate mattress pads are unsafe due to fire hazard? I have read -here and on the old site -that they're very comfortable ...

[evitajr1]

We went with a featherbed for my DD, instead of the eggcrate. She says they feel funny to her. I purchased an XL fabric microbial zippered cover for the mattress and pillows at BB&B. Linens N Things only had anti-allergenic. Also, for those of you looking for more underbed storage, the bedrisers are only $10 at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and at Linens N Things they are $15. Didn't see any difference except for shape - round vs. square. They are all in stock right now.

[bjpjmom]

I know this has probably been answered before, but I found a great deal on regular sheets with extra deep pockets - will these work on an XL twin? Are XL sheets really necessary?
I went back and read through some of the posts, because I thought someone said they were not really necessary, but couldn't find.

[wish_it_was_april]

Yes, someone did post that, but I have no first hand experience to vouch for it.

[jamimom]

I am the advocate of the plastic covers on the mattress. You don't know what history those mattresses contain; crab lice, urine, vomit, sick kids breaths and body secretions. Also it protects the mattress from any fluids that your kid might spill on the bed. They often drink in bed, and water fights still occur. Also if your kids have even residual allergies, it can help with the dust--this is standard protocol for kids with asthma and allergies. On top of the plastic cover which can be ordered along with most basics from Sears and Penney's, or from medical supply stores, I suggest a mattress cover so that the plastic is not so hot and uncomfortable. Then a bottom XL fitted sheet. Then a few regular or XL comforters--cheap, machine washable and dryable and attractive. Then a couple of pillows and pillow cases. That is all I did for the boys. The girls went into it more. But by the time you buy the height extenders for the bed, the plastic covers, eggcrate mattress, mattress cover, feather bed, sheets, duvets, and comforters, I am thinking along the lines of "The Princess and the Pea"! I would really keep in simple and practical. They sit on the beds, eat on the beds, drink on the beds, fart on the beds as do their friends. You want the stuff easily washable and spares. If they throw up on the bed, make it a bit easier so they can just pull off the covers and sleep on some fresh extra comforters which can also be used as sleeping bags for guests, extra covers if the originals are soiled, or it gets cold. can become spread for picnics or just sitting on the floor or law. You want something cheap and washable and dispensible. I do this at home because I have so many kids so the transition to college was easy. You do want extra long on anything fitted, though if you cannot find the plastic covers as such, they do not have to be abolutely sealed unless your kid has allergies or other health issues in which case you need to special order. Personally, those eggcrates and featherbeds seem to be a pain for hygiene and absorbability reasons. They absorb everythng and you can't clean them thoroughly.

[lefthandofdog]

I'm with jamimom on the plastic covers (and having a good laugh at her description). Luckily (yes, luckily!) my s. had asthma so we were used to doing it at home and he didn't balk at taking one to school. Some dorm mattresses do have a kind of plasticized surface - look like regular ticking but you could wipe them clean - so you might not have to have the waterproof cover. Think of a dorm mattress as a large, rectangular petri dish in a greenhouse environment.

[mishdoob1]

FYI to anyone who has not yet purchased towels or XL sheets: Bed Bath and Beyond and Linens N Things both have "college specials" beginning mid-June for about 2 weeks. They tell me they will have a much better assortment of XL sheets, packaged sets of towels, and general sales on dorm stuff.
Also, I think it's been mentioned before, but BBB has a "Pack and Hold" system so you buy it here, and then pick it up at the BBB close to the college - they hold it for you in their inventory. LNT may have something similar.