However, being a young mom is not synonymous with peace and quiet. Not to mention that a poorly equipped baby room can quickly become a nightmare. That is why the Linge des Familles team has developed this buying guide for a nursing cover to make your life easier.
In this article, we will review all the things you need to think about when choosing bed linen for your baby, from the crib size to the fabric used.
What size blanket should be used for what baby bed size?
The numerous variations of baby beds each require specialized safety measures. A few examples are omitted:
- The traditional crib with safety railings will ensure peaceful sleep for your child and your nights. While available in a number of sizes, most will be either 60x120 cm or 70x140 cm.
- Smaller and more manageable crates, such as those that allow rocking movements in certain models, can help calm your child. It is generally designed for a mattress of 40 cm by 80 cm.
- The travel crib, also known under the name of parafoil, is designed to provide a soft and comfortable surface on which your baby can sleep while taking up very little space when folded. As such, its dimensions are often smaller than standard beds (about 120 cm by 60 cm or less).
- It attaches to the side of an adult bed and allows for a co-sleeping experience for the babies who need to be close to their parents. Even though it is most often seen in smaller sizes of 40x80cm, it can also be found in larger sizes of 60x120cm.
How to choose the type of fabric to use for a baby fitted sheet?
Not all baby blankets are made from the same fabric and therefore do not have the same properties, so it is crucial to choose the right blankets for your child's crib.
Different types of fabrics can be used to make baby blankets; some, like Tencel, will prevent the growth of microorganisms, while others will provide cutting-edge technology with novel properties. However, when it comes to your newborn's bed linen, it is better to err on the side of simplicity by opting for cotton swaddles. This soft material, durable and fully natural is hypoallergenic and machine washable, to the delight of parents.
Once your decision is made, there is only one thing left to do: choose a color palette that harmonizes with your child's bed and the rest of the furniture in his or her room (or yours, if you have opted for a bunk bed).
Choose a high-quality label such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Products bearing the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label are worth considering if you are worried about the chemicals that may be used in the manufacturing of your curtains. You can be sure that the item is safe for your child and for the environment since it carries this label, which certifies that no harmful chemicals were used in its manufacture.
How many swaddles to buy for my baby's crib?
You probably already know that a single blanket will not be enough to cover your child's bed. You should always have a spare blanket on hand so your baby can sleep deeply in a clean and safe environment, no matter what the day or night brings. Be ready to quickly replace a fitted sheet that ends up in the washing machine due to bed moisture, vomit or sweating.
While having a spare fitted sheet is useful, it is recommended to have two. This will allow you to rotate your three swaddles for easier washing and more hygienic sleep conditions for your newborn. You can also choose a variety of cushions and pillow covers in colors to play with the ambiance.
What other baby necessities do I need for the crib?
Beyond the fitted sheet, there are many other things you can get to keep your baby's crib as clean and tidy as possible. There are several types of mattress protectors to keep your mattress like new and make your child's sleep more comfortable. While some will offer the highest level of protection for the mattress and the least hassle in terms of maintenance, making them ideal for young children whose bed linen must be changed frequently, others will prioritize the sleeper's comfort by offering waterproof protection as well as a "security blanket" effect for maximum pleasure for the youngest sleepers.
