First Things First: What Safe Sleep Really Means
Let’s be honest—setting up a sleep space can feel overwhelming. So many choices, so many cosy extras. But when it comes to baby bedding, less is not only more—it’s safer.
Guidance from The Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends a clear cot for babies under 12 months. That means:
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No pillows or duvets
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No cot bumpers or soft toys
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No loose blankets
A firm, flat mattress with a snug-fitting sheet is all your baby really needs. It may feel simple, but simple is exactly what helps your little one sleep safely.
Baby Sleeping Bags: Safe, Simple And Made For Snug Nights
When your baby’s limbs start doing starfish impersonations at 3am, a baby sleeping bag can be a sleep-saver.
Also known as wearable blankets, baby sleeping bags help keep little ones cosy without the risks of loose covers.
They:
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Stay safely in place (even for wrigglers)
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Help regulate temperature overnight
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Come in different tog ratings for seasons
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Eliminate the need for re-tucking during the night
Look for ones with shoulder poppers, easy-change zips, and soft, breathable fabrics. And if you’ve got one in the wash and one in the drawer—you’re doing it right.
Fitted Sheets: Soft, Snug, And Surprisingly Essential
You’ll be surprised how quickly fitted sheets become one of the most-used items in your nursery.
Between spit-ups, dribbles and midnight accidents, having a few on hand is a quiet kind of magic.
Here’s What To Know:
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Choose natural, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo
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Make sure they fit the mattress snugly to avoid bunching
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Start with 3–5 in rotation—you’ll use them more than you think
Soft textures, gentle tones, and easy changes—your future self (and your laundry basket) will thank you.
Mattress Protectors: The Unsung Heroes Of Sleep
Think of mattress protectors like the behind-the-scenes team—they keep things clean, dry, and quietly brilliant.
A good protector adds a waterproof layer without affecting comfort, helping your baby’s sleep space stay fresh and hygienic.
Look For Features Like:
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Waterproof yet breathable materials
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Machine washable and tumble dry friendly
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Soft, quiet textures (no crinkly plastic sounds at 2am)
Two protectors on hand—one on the cot, one in the wash—is usually all you need.
What About Blankets?
In short: not for sleep, not yet.
Loose blankets aren’t recommended for sleep under 12 months, but a lightweight cellular blanket can still be lovely for supervised cuddles or daytime naps.
Choose open-weave designs that allow airflow, and always tuck under arms if you’re using one during awake times.
Quick Checklist: Your Simple Bedding Starter Kit
There’s no need for overflowing drawers or perfectly folded linen cupboards. Just the right pieces, used well, make all the difference.
Nursery Bedding Essentials Checklist:
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2 to 4 sleeping bags (with varied togs for warmer or cooler nights)
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3 to 5 fitted cot sheets
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2 waterproof mattress protectors
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Optional: 1 breathable cellular blanket for supervised naps
This small but mighty list covers the early days beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Thoughtful, Not Overcomplicated
In a world full of baby “essentials,” nursery bedding is one area where simplicity brings calm. You don’t need everything, just the pieces that bring comfort without complication.
A baby sleeping bag that keeps them cosy and secure. Fitted sheets that stay soft, wash after wash. Mattress protectors that quietly do their job. These are the calm, practical touches that make bedtime feel a little easier—for everyone.
Soft layers. A safe space. Zipped up snug. That’s where the magic happens.
