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Bassinet and bassinet bedding are popular to use as a first bed for newborn babies. Bassinets are used from birth until about the age of four months (or when the baby begins to turn over). These first baby beds are wonderful for providing the cocoon-like atmosphere best for newborns.
Bassinets should be a safe place for baby, and there are some important tips to keep in mind when considering the bedding you will select for your baby’s first bed. Before we look at bedding tips, here is a list of bassinet bedding you will need:
- Mattress pad
- Mattress cover
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Bassinet skirt with liner
Bassinet Bedding Advice
Before choosing your bassinet bedding, it is best to keep practicalities in mind, such as safety, comfort, diaper and spit-up accidents, etc. Bedding should first be safe, and then it should be practical. It is best to avoid using baby bumpers in the bassinet as babies have a tendency to become tangled in them, and suffocate. It is also best to avoid fluffy comforters in your newborn’s bassinet—again as the baby could become entangled and hurt. A newborns’ skin is very sensitive. Practical bassinet bedding is washable, and made from soft, comfortable, non-toxic fabrics that will not irritate your baby’s skin. The last consideration will be décor. Bassinet bedding comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of beautiful designs. You will be able to find bedding to match the décor of your baby’s room and other rooms in your home.
Bassinet Bedding Tips
Bassinet mattress pad. Your bassinet mattress pad is actually the mattress your baby will sleep on while in the bassinet. First, the mattress should fit snugly inside the bassinet. This will help avoid keeping your baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and bassinet wall. A bassinet mattress should be firm enough to support your baby comfortably, but not soft. Soft mattresses are too flexible, and might even harm your baby. Many instances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) have been traced to babies sleeping on soft mattresses and suffocating. So, be sure you choose a firm mattress that fits snugly into the bassinet. Your bassinet mattress should also be flame retardant.
Bassinet mattress pad cover. Next, you will need to find a properly fitting bassinet mattress pad cover. The mattress cover should be the correct size for the bassinet mattress. Fitted pad covers use elastic around the circumference of the sheet to help it stay in place. You might consider buying two mattress pad covers in case your baby has a diaper accident or spits-up. This way, you will always have a clean mattress cover ready when changing the bedding.
Bassinet sheets. Bassinet sheets should be made from fabric that is soft and comfortable for a newborn’s skin, and should be washable. It is best to have several sheets on hand, and then you are always sure to have a clean sheet ready in case of diaper and spit-up accidents. Also, look for bassinet sheets made from pre-shrunk materials, to ensure they still fit properly after washing.
Bassinet blankets. It is important to buy blankets made of fabric that will not irritate your baby’s skin. Be sure to avoid blankets made of lamb’s fleece as these can be dangerous and have also been implicated in some instances of SIDS. Look for blankets made of washable cotton flannel, cotton, or cotton fleece. You might also consider a wool baby blanket, but these have a tendency to irritate a newborn’s skin. Make sure they are very soft and not itchy.
Bassinet skirt and liner. The bassinet skirt and liner should also be washable, and can be any color or design to match your baby’s nursery, your bedroom or other rooms in your home. You might consider choosing a flouncey, ruffley bassinet skirt for a girl, or choose are more simple version for a baby boy. You can choose a skirt that goes to the floor, or you might consider a shorter skirt if you have pets. Pet hair can stick to the bassinet skirt, which will mean doing more laundry. A shorter skirt is also best if you have toddlers. Toddlers can trip or become entangled in floor-length bassinet skirts, causing injury to themselves and the newborn baby. The bassinet liner can be any color to match your décor, and should be washable.
You have many choices when it comes to color and theme for your baby’s bassinet bedding, but be sure to consider the safety of all bedding your baby will use, and make sure it is all washable. Next, remember to choose non-toxic, comfortable, soft fabrics that will not irritate your newborn’s skin. Then choose the colors and styles that will fit your personality and home décor. By following these tips, your baby will have a safe, comfortable, cozy bassinet to sleep in.
