As a new parent, setting up proper bedding for your little one can be stressful. With the plenty of options in the market, you find yourself struggling to pick the right items. Moreover, you might focus solely on the design and pricing. However, while those are important buying factors, you need to prioritize safety.
The primary purpose of bedding is to ensure a safe and cozy sleeping environment for your little one. Therefore, when looking for bedding items, keep these two purposes in mind.
We understand that it’s not easy because you’re not yet familiar with baby bedding. Hence, we’ve provided tips below to help you choose proper bedding materials! Know the importance of bedding, the safest sizes and sleeping positions, and if using a baby flat head pillow is advisable.
The Risks of Incorrect Baby Bedding
The consequences of incorrect baby bedding are terrifying. What’s worse is that unsafe practices are still common despite several warnings and recommendations, putting the babies at risk. To fully understand this crucial matter, know the dangers of improper bedding methods:
- Sleeping accidents can be fatal. It’s one of the causes of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
- It may cause potential suffocation, such as when thick blankets or pillows block the baby’s airway.
- Soft and loose bedding may also accidentally lead to suffocation.
- Unsafe bedding has been linked as the leading cause of infant deaths around a month to a year old.
The good news is that the number of cases has significantly decreased over the years. Still, some parents are unaware of this important message, while some are simply not following for whatever reason they may have.
To prevent this dilemma from increasing again, we want to inform you of bedding essentials so that you can do well during your early parenting stage.
7 Safe and Comfy Bedding Tips for Your Little One
Babies need and tend to sleep a lot. So, as parents, you should ensure they always sleep safe and comfortable. From sleeping positions to baby pillows, we have everything you need for a bedding guide below. Without further ado, let’s dive into these tips!
Baby Pillow: Is it a Yes or a No?
You might wonder, “Should a baby sleep with an infant pillow? I heard some news that they shouldn’t. But when can babies use pillows?” The first answer is no, but there are some exceptions. The second answer depends on the type of pillow.
Generally, babies shouldn’t sleep with a baby pillow because it increases the risk of suffocation. For example, if they roll around or accidentally press their face against it, it can cause breathing difficulties. A baby’s skull is also very sensitive. However, some pillow types are okay as long as you know how to use them safely. These are:
- Flathead pillows
- Nursing pillows
- Baby positioner pillows
- Baby lounger
Baby pillows are not necessarily dangerous, but you have to be extra careful when using them, especially for babies less than two years old.
Use Soft and Breathable Fabric
Babies have extremely delicate skin, so you need to look for bedding fabric with utmost care. According to experts, fabrics for baby bedding must be pure cotton. It is soft, breathable, and 100% organic. In addition, it has higher maintenance than other fabrics like polyester, but pure cotton is relatively safer for babies.
If we talk about organic, you don’t need to be concerned about harsh chemicals or fertilizers being used to make the fabric. It’s also highly absorbent, allergy-free, soft, and gentle against the skin. Cotton fabric is a popular choice in baby bedding materials.
Measure Bedding and Spaces
Size is very important when setting up your baby’s bedding. Ensure the exact measurements of the space where you’re placing the crib. The wrong size doesn’t look visually pleasing, and it can also cause potential harm to your little one.
What’s the ideal size for the baby’s mattress and sheets? Well-fitting is better than size allowance. Why, you ask? It prevents the baby from entangling in between the sheets due to excessive sizing. Like the fabric, sheets and mattresses must also be organic and soft yet firm for safety and comfort.
Consider Extra Features You’ll Need
While it’s important to get a clear bedspace for your baby, some products incorporate extra features that might be useful for you. For example, there are cribs with drawers or a top changer for storage. In addition, there are mattress heights you can adjust or a bedside cot that allows you to get as close as possible to your baby.
All of these features depend on your needs and available space. You might instantly find them handy, but always keep the baby’s safety in mind. Ensure that it won’t do any harm, take too much space or make your duties more difficult than they already are.
Practice Proper Bedding Hygiene
Proper washing and cleaning of the bedding are important for the baby’s sensitive skin. How often should you wash the sheets, and what should you use in cleaning them? Experts recommend you wash them at least twice a week, regardless of the condition (whether they’re filled with pee or poop stains or not).
Always use natural, fragrance-free detergents to protect the baby’s skin from reactions like rashes. Additionally, you should separate baby bedding from your regular laundry and wash it gently so that the soft fabrics can last long. Using a washable or removable crib mattress cover is another option to maximize hygiene.
Put the Baby to Sleep on a Safe Position
As your little one drifts to dreamland, ensure they’re in the correct sleeping position. Babies should sleep on their backs. It helps reduce or eliminate the likelihood of sleeping accidents. Do this until they can roll over, but by that time, you must also allow them to seek their own sleeping position too.
In addition, tuck bed sheets securely to prevent the baby’s head from getting covered when they sleep. You must also avoid putting the little one to sleep on makeshift mattresses or couches. They can get stuck between the cushions or slip under large blankets, which is very dangerous.
Use Warm Clothing and Bedding
Warmth is a significant factor in baby bedding and wardrobe. Overheating is a risk factor for SUDI, so you must not overlook this matter.
Whether you’re using an infant sleeping bag or blankets and sheets, ensure that it keeps them warm but not hot. Additionally, keep the little one’s head uncovered and dress them in warm clothes to reduce the risk of overheating.
Safe and Pleasant Baby Bedding With AshtonBee
Taking care of babies can be challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. And in such a sensitive time, it is best to be fully equipped with proper knowledge.
From sleeping positions to beddings and baby pillows, you must know the dos and don’ts to ensure that every hour your little one spends is comfortable and risk-free.
Most importantly, share a room with your baby so that you can easily look after them. As much as possible, stay like that throughout their first year or first six months of life.
If you need help with safe bedding, Ashtonbee offers a newborn baby pillow for your little one. It’s made from natural cotton, is soft and breathable, and can be used for car seats, strollers, and cradles. Moreover, this baby head pillow can help prevent flat head syndrome for babies up to six months, provided that you consult your pediatrician first.
