For tired mums and dads, sleep might feel like a wonderful thing you enjoyed a long time ago, but now comes in dribs and drabs whenever you can grab it. For little ones though, you may have noticed sleep is more like an Olympic sport to them…
It’s exhausting being a baby, absorbing life and nurturing their development, and so bed time needs to be peaceful and uninterrupted, which is why bedding is so important. Your chosen bedding should promote a cosy and sound night of sleep, ready to start another day of exploring the world. Keep reading to learn what things to look out for when choosing bedding for your cot bed.
What Bedding Do I Need for My Baby?
Once you’ve chosen your cot or cot bed, it’s time to think about what else your little one will need for a restful sleep. Your checklist for baby bedding couldn’t be simpler:
- A firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving a gap around the edge
- Sheets to cover your mattress
- Light blankets for warmth
Sheets and blankets tucked in firmly below your baby’s shoulder or a baby sleeping bag are safe for your baby to sleep in, and they’re all you need! Wait until your child turns one year’s old – if not longer – before introducing pillows and duvets into the sleep routine. To find out more about safe sleep, you can read more on the Lullaby Trust website.
Baby Mattresses
Your little one’s safety is the most important consideration when choosing your mattress, and it is imperative that your chosen mattress meets BS EN 16890:2017 standards. Look for mattresses that have been tested to this standard to ensure they offer the correct levels of safety, optimum support and comfort for your baby.
Look for hypoallergenic properties in your baby’s mattress, as this will prevent dust mites from penetrating the surface, which are one of the most common triggers for an allergy. Our Deluxe Purotex Pocket Spring Cot Bed Mattress features microcapsules within the fabric which are filled with natural probiotics, providing a defence against common allergens.
Your mattress should be firm and flat, with waterproof properties to keep your mattress clean and dry, as the cover can be easily wiped. It should have no signs of rips, tears or sagging.
Cot Bed Sheets and Blankets
100% cotton is preferable when choosing your baby’s bed sheets as cotton offers breathability for your baby, allowing airflow through the fabric as well as heat to escape from your baby’s body, which helps them to stay cool. Cotton also draws moisture and sweat away, keeping your baby clean, fresh and dry while they sleep. Synthetic fibres can easily irritate your baby’s sensitive skin causing rashes and other skin problems. Natural fibres such as cotton protect your baby’s skin and create a soft and gentle environment for sleeping.
It’s crucial to choose a well-fitting cot sheet to prevent accidents and tangles. Our Cot Bed Fitted Sheets are fully elasticised making them fit snugly onto our mattresses with no loose corners. They also feature deep corners, which help the sheet cling to the mattress even when your baby has started to roll around. When getting the cot ready, be sure to check that your sheet is the correct size for your mattress.
Now that you’ve got cosy bedding sorted for your little one, why not learn a little more about bedtime to help get your new arrival to sleep. Our blog post “Sleep Questions with Expert Jay Walji” features expert advice to encourage a peaceful sleeping routine for your baby.
