A pram is an essential piece of baby equipment. If you have ever tried taking a young baby out without a pram or stroller, you may well have realised how difficult it can be. Sure, many mums manage with a carrier or a wrap when taking their babies out for a walk, but if you are going shopping or need to carry bags and other bits and pieces, a pram or pushchair makes it so much easier. You pop the baby in there and use the handles and storage basket underneath to carry everything else. One question many new mums and dads ask though is, 'Do you need a sheet for a pram?'.
Do you need a sheet for a pram?
Well, there are no rules about needing a sheet for a pram. No one is going to chase you down if you don’t, but yes, ideally, you do want one if you have a carrycot part for your pram for your baby to lie in. Those first four or five months when your baby is in the
carrycot portion of the pram is also the prime time for milky dribbles, posseting (a little bit of sick), and those dreaded nappy explosions. If your baby does that without a sheet in there, you have a bigger and more difficult clean-up ahead of you. If you have a sheet in your pram, you just whip it out, pop it in the washing machine and put a fresh one in there. Not only that, but the surface of a carrycot mattress is often made of a waterproof, almost plastic-type material, which is not going to be the most pleasant of surfaces for your baby to lie on. A lovely, soft sheet is always going to be more comfortable. Sheets listed specifically as pram sheets are often few and far between, but you will find plenty of
Moses baskets available at For Your Little One, and this is what you use for your pram. So, while you do not NEED a sheet for your pram as such, it is a good idea to have one. There are other alternatives to explore if you are wondering, 'Do you need a sheet for a pram?'.
Other alternatives to a sheet for your pram
Large muslin square
Those muslin squares that seem to have a hundred uses can also be used as a makeshift pram sheet! They are ideal if you are out and about and have to change a sheet or if you are going on holiday and space is at a premium. They are easy to wash, have a myriad of uses, and are safe and breathable. As well as working well as a burp cloth or bib and cot sheet, they can also be used as a lightweight blanket in the summer.
Pram liners
These are generally used in buggies/strollers or when you transition to using the seat portion of your pushchair.
Pram liners, as the name suggests, are used to line the seat of the pushchair, adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort for your baby or toddler, as well as keeping it clean from dirt and bodily fluids. They are available in a range of colours and designs to give your pram a little bit of personality. You can even get luxury sheepskin liners for a touch of extra snugliness!
Cellular blankets
In most cases, cellular blankets are made of cotton, and you can use them as bedding for your baby's pram. Your infant will be protected, comfy, and toasty while wrapped in the blanket. The crib also contains air intake holes that allow for the passage of air as necessary, allowing you to rest assured that your baby is not at an increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Cosy toes/foot muff
A cosy toes, or a
foot muff, is a perfect addition to your pram in the colder winter months for a stroller. These usually attach to the harness and are like a sleeve for your baby or toddler to put their legs and feet into, cocooning them and making them feel all warm and cosy. You can often get them with a combined pram liner, negating the need to buy two separate items. So, as you can see, if you are asking if you need a sheet for a pram, there are plenty of options and alternatives open, depending on the age and type of pram that you are using.
What other accessories are there to make your child feel more comfortable in their pram?
Depending on your lifestyle, your baby or toddler may spend a significant amount of time in their pram, so it is crucial that they are comfortable and cosy, as well as safe. As well as getting a sheet for your pram, you may want to consider some of the following accessories to keep your baby feeling comfy: Rain cover: These go over the pushchair and are made of a transparent plastic material, keeping rain and wind off your child. Parasol: Parasols are useful for those sunny, warm days and keep the sun off your baby, keeping them cool and protecting their delicate skin from the sun's rays. If you're looking for high-quality pregnancy and baby care products, shop our range at For Your Little One today.