The Baby Boat Logo and Name is a registered Trademark and is protected under Copyright - All rights reserved - ™ ® ©
® ©
Baby, Preconception, Fertility, Pregnancy, Birth, Mum, Dad, Mum to be, Child, Toddler, Infant, Parent, Family, Kids, Toys, Activities, Baby Clothes, Nursery
Baby bedding and Baby sleeping bags
There is nothing more beautiful in this world than a sleeping a baby. One of the first things that an expecting mother often buys is their baby’s bed.
Whether it is a cot, a crib or a lacy bassinette, choosing your baby’s bedding can often be one of the fun parts of dressing up your baby’s nursery, and baby bedding is definitely one of the items that you can use to help theme your baby’s bedroom.
On this page we will look at baby bedding, baby sleeping bags, how many blankets your baby needs, as well as ideal sleeping temperatures.
Baby blankets and sheets
Most parents will start out their baby bedding sets with simple cotton sheets and cotton cellular blankets both of which are natural breathable fabrics.
You will need around 3 – 4 light blankets as well as around 3 sets of sheets. This way if one set is in the wash, and you need to change a set during the night, you will always have a spare set. Try to find sheet sets that come with a fitted bottom sheet which helps keep the sheet in place if your baby moves during the night.
Baby sheets usually come in simple cotton, flannelette, jersey stretch fabric or terry cotton. As some types of sheets are cooler or warmer than others, it is important to select the right type of sheet for your current climate.
When it comes to baby blankets it is important to use lightweight breathable bedding with your baby. Baby blankets usually come in acrylic, cellular cotton or wool. If you choose a wool blanket make sure it is not too heavy and that it is machine washable.
Try to layer extra blankets onto your baby one layer at a time, rather than using thick heavy blankets that could weigh your baby down and increase the risk of suffocation. It is much easier to add or remove an extra light weight blanket if the temperature in the room increases or decreases.
Polyester fleece blankets are widely available however can make your baby sweat and overheat, so use them as a pram blanket and avoid using them in the baby’s bedroom.
Also remember that a folded blanket actually equates to two blankets, so make sure you factor this in. And for safety reasons, make sure you never use quilts or heavy duvets with a young baby.
Baby Mattress
Even if you are given or buy a second hand cot or crib you should always try to buy a brand new mattress for your baby as it decreases health risks such as SIDS.
Always make sure that there are no rips or tears in the fabric and that the mattress is firm, made of natural products and adheres to the National Safety and Quality Standards.
Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the cot or crib and that there are no gabs between the mattress and the cot that the baby could slide into or become stuck in.
Baby Mattress Protectors
You may wish to use a mattress protector under your baby’s sheet to protect the mattress. If this is the case use a cotton mattress protector or folded muslin wrap, as plastic coated mattress protectors may not be safe if your baby rolls onto her tummy or face.
If your mattress comes standard with an inbuilt mattress protector on one side, simply flip this side face down and let your baby sleep on the cotton side.
Once your baby is around 12 months of age and can easily move out of dangerous situations in bed you may start using plastic or rubber liners.
Baby pillows
There is no reason for your baby to have a pillow before they are around 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, they really do not need them for comfort the way an adult does. Using a pillow with a child under 2 years of age is very dangerous and can actually be fatal, so if you received a pillow in your baby’s bedding set, just pack it away until they are a little older.
If your baby is sick or has reflux and needs to be propped up, put a pillow under the cot mattress at the end of the bed where there head faces. This will give the mattress a slightly elevated lift which will help with your babies breathing.
Baby Cot Bumpers
Many parents worry about their baby bumping their head or getting their leg stuck in the rails of their cot, and hence look towards cot bumpers for a solution.
You should not use cot bumpers before your child is at least 12-14 months of age. Again as your baby could roll against the bumper which is a suffocation risk whilst they are still young. There are new types of cot bumpers called AirWrap bumpers that claim to be safe for your baby. However, the choice is yours.
When you do decide to buy a cot bumper, make sure they come in a breathable fabric and are tied well to the cot so there is no risk of your baby getting the cords wrapped around their neck.
Most parents will start out their baby bedding sets with simple cotton sheets and cotton cellular blankets both of which are natural breathable fabrics.
You will need around 3 – 4 light blankets as well as around 3 sets of sheets. This way if one set is in the wash, and you need to change a set during the night, you will always have a spare set. Try to find sheet sets that come with a fitted bottom sheet which helps keep the sheet in place if your baby moves during the night.
Baby sheets usually come in simple cotton, flannelette, jersey stretch fabric or terry cotton. As some types of sheets are cooler or warmer than others, it is important to select the right type of sheet for your current climate.
When it comes to baby blankets it is important to use lightweight breathable bedding with your baby. Baby blankets usually come in acrylic, cellular cotton or wool. If you choose a wool blanket make sure it is not too heavy and that it is machine washable.
Try to layer extra blankets onto your baby one layer at a time, rather than using thick heavy blankets that could weigh your baby down and increase the risk of suffocation. It is much easier to add or remove an extra light weight blanket if the temperature in the room increases or decreases.
Polyester fleece blankets are widely available however can make your baby sweat and overheat, so use them as a pram blanket and avoid using them in the baby’s bedroom.
Also remember that a folded blanket actually equates to two blankets, so make sure you factor this in. And for safety reasons, make sure you never use quilts or heavy duvets with a young baby.
Baby Mattress
Even if you are given or buy a second hand cot or crib you should always try to buy a brand new mattress for your baby as it decreases health risks such as SIDS.
Always make sure that there are no rips or tears in the fabric and that the mattress is firm, made of natural products and adheres to the National Safety and Quality Standards.
Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the cot or crib and that there are no gabs between the mattress and the cot that the baby could slide into or become stuck in.
Baby Mattress Protectors
You may wish to use a mattress protector under your baby’s sheet to protect the mattress. If this is the case use a cotton mattress protector or folded muslin wrap, as plastic coated mattress protectors may not be safe if your baby rolls onto her tummy or face.
If your mattress comes standard with an inbuilt mattress protector on one side, simply flip this side face down and let your baby sleep on the cotton side.
Once your baby is around 12 months of age and can easily move out of dangerous situations in bed you may start using plastic or rubber liners.
Baby pillows
There is no reason for your baby to have a pillow before they are around 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, they really do not need them for comfort the way an adult does. Using a pillow with a child under 2 years of age is very dangerous and can actually be fatal, so if you received a pillow in your baby’s bedding set, just pack it away until they are a little older.
If your baby is sick or has reflux and needs to be propped up, put a pillow under the cot mattress at the end of the bed where there head faces. This will give the mattress a slightly elevated lift which will help with your babies breathing.
Baby Cot Bumpers
Many parents worry about their baby bumping their head or getting their leg stuck in the rails of their cot, and hence look towards cot bumpers for a solution.
You should not use cot bumpers before your child is at least 12-
When you do decide to buy a cot bumper, make sure they come in a breathable fabric and are tied well to the cot so there is no risk of your baby getting the cords wrapped around their neck.
When your baby is young, it is often a parent’s fear that their baby will roll onto their sides or stomach’s and suffocate. To reduce this risk you are able to buy baby sleep positioners and weighted sleep jackets and blankets.
Basically both items are designed to help encourage your baby to sleep on their back by reducing their ability to roll. There are a few different brands on the market, and personally I think they are a great investment for both your baby’s safety and your own piece of mind.
Baby Sleep Positioners and Weighted Sleep Jackets and Blankets
As well as the standard sleep posiitioners you can also buy wedge style positioners that are designed to help babies with reflux by slightly tilting them into a semi elevated position.
I also think that the enclosed bed style sleep positioners such as the First Years Safe and Secure Sleeper are fantastic, not only for use with co-sleeping with parents but as a portable bed when your baby is very young.
My sister swore by hers, and I was only sorry that I didn’t realise they existed until my daughter was almost six months old.
I also think that the enclosed bed style sleep positioners such as the First Years Safe and Secure Sleeper are fantastic, not only for use with co-
My sister swore by hers, and I was only sorry that I didn’t realise they existed until my daughter was almost six months old.
Baby sleeping bags such as popular brands like Grobag can be used from when your baby is around 5 – 6 weeks old, however it is very important that you use the right size sleeping bag for your baby, as using a sleeping bag that is too big for your baby, means that they could slide or wiggle down into the bag, which of course is very dangerous and could lead to suffocation.
Make sure that you buy a sleeping bag without a hood and without any fancy ribbons, strings or buttons that are unsafe for babies.
So that your baby does not overheat, it is important that you only put light weight clothes on your baby if you are putting them in a sleeping. Remember they can’t kick the sleeping bag off if they get too hot.
If it is a cold day or night and you want to tuck your baby into the cot mattress, then you will probably only need to put a sheet or light weight blanket over your baby once they are in their sleeping bag. Never use a thick blanket or quilt on top of a baby already in a sleeping bag.
Many baby sleeping bags come in different thicknesses and weights, so make sure you choose the correct sleeping bag to suit your current climate. In summer you may choose a light sleeping bag and in winter a thicker heavier one.
Make sure that you buy a sleeping bag without a hood and without any fancy ribbons, strings or buttons that are unsafe for babies.
So that your baby does not overheat, it is important that you only put light weight clothes on your baby if you are putting them in a sleeping. Remember they can’t kick the sleeping bag off if they get too hot.
If it is a cold day or night and you want to tuck your baby into the cot mattress, then you will probably only need to put a sheet or light weight blanket over your baby once they are in their sleeping bag. Never use a thick blanket or quilt on top of a baby already in a sleeping bag.
Many baby sleeping bags come in different thicknesses and weights, so make sure you choose the correct sleeping bag to suit your current climate. In summer you may choose a light sleeping bag and in winter a thicker heavier one.
Is my baby too hot or too cold?
Baby’s hands and feet are always cold to the touch, so the best way to check if your baby is hot or cold, is too feel the bag of their neck and her stomach. If your baby feels clammy or sweaty then they may be too hot and you will need to reduce the amount of layers they are wearing.
As a rule of thumb, a baby only needs one more layer of clothes or blankets than you would use.
And remember that a fan placed on low speed on either a summer or winter setting in your baby’s room, helps to circulate air, which helps your baby regulate their temperature and removes carbon dioxide away from their mouths, which dramatically decreases the risks of SIDS.
Ideal temperature for a sleeping baby and how many blankets to use
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius. You can try and estimate this or buy yourself a small digital thermometer. Many baby monitors these days come with the thermometer included.
A rough guide to baby blankets is:
16 degrees Celsius or less (60F) equals one sheet and three blankets
18 degrees Celsius (65F) equals one sheet and two blankets
21 degrees Celsius (70F) equals one sheet and one blanket
24 degrees Celsius or more (75F) equals one sheet only
Remember to check on your baby regularly and change their bedding depending on the weather.
Baby’s hands and feet are always cold to the touch, so the best way to check if your baby is hot or cold, is too feel the bag of their neck and her stomach. If your baby feels clammy or sweaty then they may be too hot and you will need to reduce the amount of layers they are wearing.
As a rule of thumb, a baby only needs one more layer of clothes or blankets than you would use.
And remember that a fan placed on low speed on either a summer or winter setting in your baby’s room, helps to circulate air, which helps your baby regulate their temperature and removes carbon dioxide away from their mouths, which dramatically decreases the risks of SIDS.
Ideal temperature for a sleeping baby and how many blankets to use
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius. You can try and estimate this or buy yourself a small digital thermometer. Many baby monitors these days come with the thermometer included.
A rough guide to baby blankets is:
16 degrees Celsius or less (60F) equals one sheet and three blankets
18 degrees Celsius (65F) equals one sheet and two blankets
21 degrees Celsius (70F) equals one sheet and one blanket
24 degrees Celsius or more (75F) equals one sheet only
Remember to check on your baby regularly and change their bedding depending on the weather.
Baby Sleeping Bags
When we were growing up the only baby bedding was a simple sheet and blanket, however these days baby sleeping bags are certainly a very useful and very popular bedding option for young children.
When we were growing up the only baby bedding was a simple sheet and blanket, however these days baby sleeping bags are certainly a very useful and very popular bedding option for young children.
A baby sleeping bag is basically a zip up style sleeping bag with arms that you put onto your baby like a cardigan and zip up. The advantage to this style of baby bedding is that if your baby moves around during the night, they will stay within the warmth of their baby sleeping bag, whilst still having room to kick their legs and move around. It also provides them with
Summer Infant sleep positioners: are designed to keep baby sleeping on their back. Unique AirCare Foam™ is used in all of our sleep positioners, which has been independently tested by Bureau Veritas™ testing laboratories and demonstrated to be 7x more breathable then regular foams. In addition,
Summer Infant’s sleep positioners use FloThru mesh over the AirCare Foam. The combination of AirCare Foam and FloThru fabrics promotes better air circulation to prevent baby from overheating, also thought to be contributing factor to SIDS.
While back sleeping is indeed the safest sleep for baby, the incidence of Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) has in-creased. Summer Infant has incorporated the patent pend-ing TOTS reminding systems into many of its sleep positioners to help prevent Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome).
Summer Infant’s sleep positioners use FloThru mesh over the AirCare Foam. The combination of AirCare Foam and FloThru fabrics promotes better air circulation to prevent baby from overheating, also thought to be contributing factor to SIDS.
While back sleeping is indeed the safest sleep for baby, the incidence of Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) has in-
Baby Bedding Options
Smaller cot sheets for your babies bed. Don’t worry about
excess sheet again
excess sheet again