Crib Sheets & Crib Mattress Essentials
The Crib sheet and crib bedding should be super soft, really durable, and in abundance. You should have at least 3 sets to account for the inevitable accidents and laundry cycles. I prefer fitted sheets with deep pockets and strong elastic that won't pop off when you're fumbling in the dark at 3 AM. Natural crib bedding fibres like cotton or bamboo blends are best because they breathe really well, reduce overheating risks, and get softer with every wash. Be sure to check for adjustable mattress heights in your crib bedding if applicable.
The crib mattress is your most important bedding investment. A firm one is a must for safety reasons, reducing the risk of SIDS, and providing proper spine support. I recommend dual-sided mattresses that are firmer for the infant side and a bit softer for the toddler bed side. The crib bedding can adapt as your child grows. Waterproof crib mattress protectors are a must, but choose ones that breathe so they do not that crinkly plastic sound that can wake light sleepers. I learned this the hard way with my first baby. Every move sounded like unwrapping candy.
Bamboo Baby Blankets - My New Favourite Thing
- Crucial reminder here - for safe sleep, it's vital that you don't use blankets in cribs with babies under 12 months. These bamboo blankets are perfect for supervised activities, or when your child is old enough to use them safely - or as a cozy layer once they've moved into a toddler bed.
- Baby Sleep Sacks are a good option for babies 0 month to 5 years old. Your child will wear them like pajamas and the Best Seller bamboo sleep sacks will adjust to their body temperature to keep them warm or cooler on the different nights from Belan J.
Belan J bamboo baby blankets have become my absolute favourite for numerous reasons that go far beyond just their obvious practicality. Bamboo fabric has natural hypoallergenic properties and it does not irritate sensitive skin. It is amazingly good at regulating a baby's temperature - whether that's keeping them warm or cool. This means no more wake-ups in the middle of the night because your baby is too hot or cold. Plus, the softness of these bamboo baby blankets is just incredible and gets even better with each wash. We used them for swaddling blankets, tummy time, a stroller cover on cold days, and nursing covers, so they really are a multi-purpose product.
When I was having my third child, I made a point of only using the Best Seller Belan J bamboo blankets and I can honestly say the difference in sleep quality was huge - much better than I'd ever seen with my older two kids, who'd had cotton blankets. The fact that these bamboo ones help regulate temperature has to be the main reason for that - less middle-of-the-night wake ups because baby was too hot or cold. They're a bit pricier than standard receiving blankets, but the durability and multi-use factor more than makes up for it. In fact, I still use the ones from my first child with my youngest - they've lasted years and are still just as soft as the day I got them.
Nursery Decor - Where Function Meets Style
When it comes to nursery decor, it's not just about taking cute photos - though, let's be honest, that's a lovely bonus for you and your baby to spend time in the room together. What really matters is that the right decorative elements make your daily routines that little bit easier and help to create a calm environment that encourages sleep.
Baby Sleep Sacks and Sleep Bags - Safe, Cozy Sleep Solutions
Sleep sacks completely transformed our sleep routines. They provide warmth without the risk of a loose blanket, can't be kicked off during the night, and become powerful sleep association cues.
Why Baby Sleep Sacks Matter - Important Safety Concern
Traditional blankets are a suffocation risk for infants and get kicked off by active sleepers - leaving babies feeling cold and miserable - but sleep sacks solve both issues and make babies feel all snug and secure, helping them get longer, better quality sleep. They're basically wearable blankets that zip or snap on, keeping babies at the perfect temperature all through the night.
Best Selling Baby Sleep Sack Brands
Belan J sleep sacks and Kyte Baby's sleep sacks are beautifully soft bamboo rayon constructions that are just brilliant at regulating temperature. You can get them in all sorts of TOG ratings for different seasons and room temps, and have a really useful dual-zip design that lets you do a quick nappy change without having to yank the whole thing off - which is a lifesaver at 2 am. Plus, they're really generous in their sizing, so one of them should fit your growing baby for a good long while.
Belan J sleep sacks are basically just like their blankets, but designed for babies - they use bamboo's natural properties to keep the little ones breathing easily and at the right temperature. They're also really soft - and stay that way even after loads of washes - which is a big plus. And the best part? They last, so you can pass them on to the next little one.
Baby Monitors - That Give You Peace of Mind
After three kids, I have tried loads of different baby monitoring systems - and to be honest, the latest baby monitors models are just getting better and better. Nanit is in a whole different league - it's the latest and greatest in baby monitoring technology.Sign up for the baby registry to pick your favourite sleep bags and sleeps sacks. Use thebaby registry!