Whether your newborn is the first of your brood or you’re adding to your family, a baby’s sleep is an unpredictable and often anxiety-inducing aspect of parenting.
Your little one might sleep like a log, or on the other hand, you could suffer endless nights of interruptions and discomfort. But, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding just how well your baby will sleep, you can still take steps to ensure that the stage is set for them to feel as safe and snug as possible.
The For Your Little One team has gathered our top tips on baby bedding, cots, Moses baskets and more that will prepare them (and you!) for a good night's sleep.
Baby Bedding
Achieving a solid sleep can be tricky to perfect; after all, no one baby is the same, and each will have its preferences. Getting each aspect right can be a process of experimentation and elimination.
For instance, what should a baby wear to bed? Too much clothing and they’ll overheat, too little and become too cold, and the wrong type of clothing will make them uncomfortable. In this minefield of parenting advice, it’s always a good idea to remember where these problems are likely to originate.
Common causes of infant sleep issues include:
- Becoming too hot or cold
- Hunger
- Illness
- Teething
- Too much energy
Best baby bedding for helping with sleep
This topic can get a little complicated; there’s a ton of baby bedding that may or may not be suitable. So to help, we’ve split this advice into easy-to-follow do’s and don’ts.
Do’s for baby bedding.
- Make sure you’ve got plenty of bedding options (this helps when things need washing – which is a lot!)
- Invest in a reasonable amount of light blankets; these are great for insulating the baby, tucking in for safety and comfort and quickly adding or removing layers.
- Go for fitted sheets; not only are they more secure (and able to cope with all those wriggles), but they’re a doddle to put on or pull off.
Don’ts for baby bedding.
- Avoid bulky bedding such as pillows and duvets. Not only are they likely to increase the baby’s temperature, but there’s also a risk they’ll become tangled or trapped by the bedding.
- Don’t forget a baby monitor! Extra peace of mind is essential, and keeping track of your baby’s sleep can also identify problem areas and areas you can improve on rest and feed times.
- Remember to monitor the temperature; overheating can be deadly, while colder temperatures will cause discomfort. Though every baby will have their preference, the recommended ideal temperature is between 16-20℃.
Crib or Moses basket?
When it comes to baby furniture, there are three obvious choices for your baby’s sleep set-up, but which is best? A crib, cot or Moses basket?
Your little one should sleep in the same room as you for at least the first six months before moving into a nursery or separate bedroom. Therefore, your choice must be economically sized, as well as safe and comfortable.
Picking the correct type of baby bed is a significant investment and, indeed, one where you shouldn’t scrimp on quality! So, although there’s no wrong choice here, to help you decide, we’ve listed some of the virtues of each baby bed style below.
Moses baskets
The Moses basket is the smallest of the three choices, perfect for those parents whose space is at a premium. Thanks to its compact size, the Moses basket can slot into narrow spaces or awkward corners, whether positioned permanently or residing out of the way until needed.
Cribs
A crib is more substantial in size than a Moses basket, and it’ll take up more room; however, the flip side is you’ll enjoy more prolonged use. In addition, the extra space at your disposal leaves more room for growth spurts, meaning you’ll get a little more time out of your investment before moving it on or bunging it in the loft!
Cots
The largest of all three, cots take up a significant amount of space compared to the former options. Many people ask, can a newborn sleep in a cot straight away – but it’s perfectly safe to do so.
Moses baskets or cribs are usually preferred to a cot thanks to their sleek design before moving the baby into a cot more permanently. However, if you’ve got enough space for a cot, by all means, invest in one from the off! This way, you’ll save money in the long run and give your little one plenty of space to grow.
Choosing a hypoallergenic mattress or organic baby mattress.
At For Your Little One, you’ll find a fantastic selection of hypoallergenic mattresses and organic baby mattresses, all designed for your baby’s well-being and comfort.
This vital choice will not only help your little one sleep, but it’ll also keep them safe through the night. When choosing, you must opt for a firm, flat baby mattress that will allow the baby to remain positioned and comfy but wiggle around with ease.
It’s also essential to measure up your Moses basket, crib or cot beforehand, ensuring that the selected mattress fits the surface area of the baby bed perfectly, leaving no gaps or overlaps. Other essential features to keep in mind include waterproofing (that probably goes without saying!) and anti-allergy, given that we never know what our bundles of joy might react to in the early stages of their life.
If you’d like any more information on our products, please don’t hesitate to contact the For Your Little One Team. For more advice, please browse our fantastic blog – and if you’ve found this helpful and put our handy tips to use, let us know over on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
