Bedding
Baby Bedding - Your Complete Guide to Safe, Comfortable Sleep
Welcome to your ultimate guide to baby bedding, where we'll help you create a safe, comfortable sleep environment for your little one. From fitted cot sheets and Moses basket bedding to baby sleeping bags and cellular blankets, choosing the right bedding is crucial for your baby's safety, comfort, and quality sleep. With safe sleep guidelines, material choices, and countless options to navigate, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about baby bedding essentials, safety standards, and creating the perfect sleep sanctuary for your precious baby.
Essential Baby Bedding Items
Fitted Cot & Cot Bed Sheets
Fitted sheets are the foundation of safe baby bedding, providing a smooth, secure sleeping surface. Browse our cot bed fitted sheets for standard cots and cot beds. Look for elasticated edges ensuring sheets stay securely in place throughout the night, 100% cotton or breathable fabrics for comfort and temperature regulation, perfect fit with no excess fabric creating hazards, and machine-washable construction for easy cleaning and hygiene.
Moses Basket Bedding
For newborns sleeping in Moses baskets, specialized bedding ensures proper fit and safety. Explore our Moses basket fitted sheets including Chicco Next 2 Me fitted sheets, Chicco Lullago fitted sheets, SnuzPod fitted sheets, Tutti Bambini Cozee fitted sheets, and Jane Babyside fitted sheets for perfect compatibility.
Baby Sleeping Bags
Baby sleeping bags provide safe, comfortable sleep without loose blankets. Choose appropriate tog ratings for different seasons (0.5 tog for summer, 2.5 tog for all-season, 3.5 tog for winter), correct sizing based on baby's age and height, sleeveless designs preventing overheating, and secure zip or popper fastenings for safety.
Cellular Blankets
Lightweight cellular blankets offer breathable warmth with open-weave construction allowing airflow and preventing overheating, ability to layer for temperature control, versatile use for swaddling, pram covers, and tummy time, and machine-washable cotton or cotton-blend materials.
Mattress Protectors
Waterproof mattress protectors extend mattress life whilst maintaining hygiene. Look for breathable waterproof layers preventing moisture whilst allowing air circulation, fitted designs staying securely in place, hypoallergenic materials suitable for sensitive skin, and easy-care machine-washable construction.
Safe Sleep Guidelines for Baby Bedding
Following safe sleep guidelines is crucial for reducing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk:
- Back to sleep - Always place baby on their back to sleep, never on tummy or side
- Firm, flat mattress - Use only firm mattresses designed for your cot or Moses basket
- Fitted sheet only - Keep the sleep area free from pillows, quilts, bumpers, and soft toys
- Feet to foot - Place baby with feet at the bottom of the cot to prevent sliding under covers
- Room temperature - Maintain 16-20°C and avoid overheating with appropriate bedding
- No loose bedding - Use baby sleeping bags instead of loose blankets when possible
- Room sharing - Keep baby in your room for the first 6 months
- Smoke-free environment - Never smoke near baby or in sleep areas
Choosing the Right Bedding Materials
100% Cotton
Natural cotton is the most popular choice for baby bedding offering breathability allowing air circulation and temperature regulation, softness gentle on delicate baby skin, hypoallergenic properties suitable for sensitive skin, durability withstanding frequent washing, and easy care with machine-washable convenience.
Organic Cotton
Certified organic cotton provides chemical-free production without pesticides or harmful chemicals, eco-friendly sustainability from responsible farming, ultra-soft texture often softer than conventional cotton, and peace of mind for environmentally conscious parents.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric offers natural temperature regulation keeping baby cool in summer and warm in winter, antibacterial properties reducing bacteria and odours, ultra-soft feel luxuriously gentle on skin, and sustainable growth as a renewable resource.
Jersey Knit
Stretchy jersey fabric provides flexibility accommodating mattress variations, soft comfort with t-shirt-like feel, easy fitting with forgiving stretch, and cosy warmth perfect for cooler months.
Muslin
Lightweight muslin is ideal for swaddling and summer use with breathable open weave preventing overheating, quick-drying properties for frequent washing, softening with each wash, and versatile use beyond bedding.
Bedding for Different Sleep Spaces
Moses Basket Bedding
Moses baskets require specifically sized bedding for safety. Shop our complete range including Chicco Next 2 Me, Chicco Lullago, SnuzPod, Babystyle Oyster Snuggle, Tutti Bambini Cozee, and Jane Babyside fitted sheets.
Bedside Crib Bedding
Bedside cribs need fitted sheets matching their unique dimensions. Ensure sheets fit snugly with no gaps, use breathable materials, and follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific bedside crib model.
Cot & Cot Bed Bedding
Standard cots (120cm x 60cm) and cot beds (140cm x 70cm) require appropriately sized fitted sheets. Browse our cot bed fitted sheets for perfect fit and safety.
Travel Cot Bedding
Travel cots often have unique dimensions requiring specialized fitted sheets. Check your travel cot's mattress size and choose sheets designed for portable cots ensuring proper fit during trips and visits.
Seasonal Bedding Considerations
Summer Bedding (Warm Weather)
For warm months, choose lightweight materials like muslin or thin cotton, 0.5-1.0 tog sleeping bags for breathability, single layer cellular blankets if needed, and light-coloured bedding reflecting rather than absorbing heat.
Winter Bedding (Cold Weather)
During colder months, select thicker cotton or jersey fabrics, 2.5-3.5 tog sleeping bags for warmth, layered cellular blankets for adjustable warmth, and ensure room temperature stays within 16-20°C range.
All-Season Bedding
Year-round options include medium-weight cotton sheets, 2.5 tog sleeping bags suitable for most conditions, cellular blankets for layering flexibility, and adjusting baby's clothing rather than adding bedding.
Bedding Colours, Patterns & Nursery Coordination
Neutral Tones
White, cream, grey, and beige bedding offers timeless elegance, gender-neutral versatility, easy coordination with any nursery theme, and calming, soothing aesthetics promoting sleep.
Pastel Colours
Soft pinks, blues, yellows, and greens provide gentle colour without overstimulation, traditional nursery appeal, and easy mixing and matching with nursery décor.
Bold Patterns
Stars, animals, geometric prints, and character designs add personality and visual interest, stimulate baby's developing vision, and create themed nursery coordination.
Mix & Match
Combine solid colours with patterns, coordinate with nursery furniture and walls, and rotate sheets for variety whilst maintaining cohesive aesthetic.
How Many Bedding Items Do You Need?
Minimum Essentials
Start with 2-3 fitted sheets for rotation during washing, 1-2 baby sleeping bags in appropriate tog ratings, 2-3 cellular blankets for layering and versatility, and 1-2 waterproof mattress protectors for hygiene.
Recommended Quantities
For convenience, have 4-6 fitted sheets allowing frequent changes, 2-3 sleeping bags in different togs for seasons, 4-6 cellular blankets for various uses, and 2 mattress protectors for continuous protection.
Special Considerations
Newborns may need more frequent changes due to nappy leaks and spit-up, reflux babies benefit from extra sheets and protectors, and multiple sleep spaces (Moses basket, cot, travel cot) require bedding for each.
Caring for Baby Bedding
Washing Instructions
Wash new bedding before first use to remove manufacturing residues, use gentle, fragrance-free detergent suitable for baby's sensitive skin, wash at 40-60°C to kill bacteria whilst preserving fabrics, avoid fabric softeners which can reduce breathability and cause irritation, and tumble dry on low or air dry to maintain softness.
Stain Removal
Treat stains promptly for best results, use baby-safe stain removers or natural alternatives like bicarbonate of soda, soak heavily soiled items before washing, and avoid harsh bleaches that can damage fabrics and irritate skin.
Storage
Store clean bedding in dry, well-ventilated spaces, use breathable storage bags or containers, rotate stock using older items first, and inspect regularly for wear, damage, or mould.
Complete Your Sleep Setup
Enhance your baby's sleep environment with these complementary products:
- Cots and cot beds - Safe sleeping spaces from birth to toddler years
- Cot bed mattresses - Firm, breathable support for safe sleep
- Moses baskets - Portable newborn sleep solutions
- Bedside cribs - Convenient nighttime access for feeding
- Baby monitors - Constant supervision for peace of mind
- Nursery furniture - Complete room setups with coordinated storage
- Night lights - Gentle illumination for nighttime checks and feeds
Frequently Asked Questions
What bedding does my baby actually need?
Essential baby bedding includes 2-3 fitted sheets for your cot, Moses basket, or bedside crib ensuring rotation during washing, 1-2 baby sleeping bags in appropriate tog ratings (2.5 tog for all-season use) providing safe warmth without loose blankets, 2-3 lightweight cellular blankets for layering and versatility, and 1-2 waterproof mattress protectors extending mattress life. You do NOT need pillows, quilts, duvets, cot bumpers, or loose blankets in the sleep space as these increase SIDS risk. Keep bedding minimal following safe sleep guidelines - a firm mattress, fitted sheet, and sleeping bag are sufficient for safe, comfortable sleep.
What tog sleeping bag should I use for my baby?
Choose sleeping bag tog ratings based on room temperature and season. For summer or warm rooms (21-23°C), use 0.5-1.0 tog with short sleeves or just a nappy underneath. For spring, autumn, or moderate temperatures (18-21°C), use 2.5 tog with a long-sleeved bodysuit. For winter or cold rooms (16-18°C), use 2.5-3.5 tog with long-sleeved bodysuit and pyjamas. Always maintain room temperature between 16-20°C, check baby's temperature by feeling their chest or back of neck (not hands or feet), and adjust clothing layers rather than adding bedding. Never use sleeping bags in car seats or with loose blankets on top.
How often should I change my baby's bedding?
Change fitted sheets at least once or twice weekly for hygiene, or immediately after accidents, leaks, or spit-up. Wash sleeping bags weekly or when soiled, rotating between multiple bags for continuous use. Wash cellular blankets after each use if they've been in contact with baby's face or after spills. Clean mattress protectors weekly or when soiled to maintain hygiene. During illness, change bedding more frequently to prevent reinfection. Having multiple sets of bedding allows rotation whilst washing and ensures you always have clean bedding available for unexpected changes during the night.
Can I use blankets instead of sleeping bags?
Yes, you can use blankets, but sleeping bags are safer and recommended by safe sleep experts. If using blankets, follow these guidelines: use only lightweight cellular blankets allowing breathability, tuck blankets securely under the mattress at the foot and sides reaching no higher than baby's chest, place baby in the feet-to-foot position with feet touching the cot end, never use heavy quilts, duvets, or pillows for babies under 12 months, and layer thin blankets rather than using one thick blanket. Sleeping bags are preferred because they eliminate the risk of baby pulling blankets over their face, prevent baby kicking off covers and getting cold, and maintain consistent temperature throughout the night.
What's the difference between cot and cot bed sheets?
Cot sheets are designed for standard cots measuring approximately 120cm x 60cm, suitable from birth to around 2-3 years when baby outgrows the cot. Cot bed sheets fit larger cot beds measuring approximately 140cm x 70cm, suitable from birth through toddler years (up to 5 years) as cot beds convert into toddler beds. The sheets are NOT interchangeable - using the wrong size creates dangerous gaps or excess fabric posing suffocation risks. Always check your mattress dimensions and purchase appropriately sized fitted sheets ensuring a snug, safe fit with elasticated edges holding sheets securely in place throughout the night.
Do I need organic or special baby bedding?
Organic bedding is not essential but offers benefits for some families including chemical-free production without pesticides or harmful substances, hypoallergenic properties beneficial for babies with sensitive skin or eczema, eco-friendly sustainability from responsible farming practices, and peace of mind for environmentally conscious parents. Standard 100% cotton bedding is perfectly safe and suitable for most babies when washed before first use. Prioritize breathable, natural fabrics like cotton over synthetic materials, ensure proper fit and safety regardless of organic status, wash all new bedding before use to remove manufacturing residues, and choose based on your budget, values, and baby's specific needs rather than feeling pressured to buy organic.
Expert Baby Bedding Tips
- Wash before first use - Remove manufacturing chemicals and soften fabrics
- Keep it simple - Less is more for safe sleep; avoid decorative bedding in the cot
- Check fit regularly - Ensure sheets stay snug as mattresses compress over time
- Layer for temperature - Adjust baby's clothing rather than adding bedding
- Rotate bedding - Extend life by using multiple sets in rotation
- Follow safe sleep guidelines - Safety always trumps aesthetics
- Invest in quality - Well-made bedding lasts through multiple children
- Stock up gradually - Start with essentials and add as you discover your needs
Shop Our Complete Baby Bedding Collection
Ready to create the perfect sleep environment for your little one? Browse our complete collection of baby bedding, fitted sheets, sleeping bags, and bedding essentials from trusted brands. With safe sleep guidance, quality materials, and comprehensive options for every sleep space, we're here to help you create a safe, comfortable sanctuary for your baby's rest.
Need help choosing the right bedding? Contact our expert team for personalized recommendations based on your baby's age, sleep space, and specific requirements.
