Expecting a new addition to the family? A cosy cot with comfy bedding is a must-have for your nursery. Yet choosing the right fabric can be challenging, with everyone offering advice on the best baby bedding.
Don't worry, though. In this guide, we'll cover the key factors for choosing the ideal cot bedding material, from temperature regulation to what's gentle on infant skin, ensuring your baby sleeps as peacefully as... well, a baby.
What Bedding Do I Need For a Crib?
Before we get into the specifics of children’s bedding fabric, let’s first establish what bedding your baby actually needs.
For a newborn, all you’ll need is a mattress, a waterproof mattress protector, a fitted sheet and a blanket or swaddle. Things like pillows and duvets shouldn’t be introduced until your baby is at least one year old, according to the NHS, although we recommend waiting until around 18 months to two years old.
What Material is Best for a Baby’s Bedding?
When it comes to baby bedding, natural, organic, fibres are our winner. They’re breathable and lightweight, as well as being super soft on a baby’s sensitive skin.
Our organic fibre of choice is cotton - and there are a few reasons why this is our go-to for wrapping up your little one.
See our guide to the amazing benefits of cotton to learn more about why it’s such a wonderful material for your baby and you, too!
What are the Benefits of Cotton Baby and Cot Bedding?
First of all, babies can’t regulate their temperature until at least nine months old. Luckily, cotton cot bedding retains your baby’s body heat to keep them toasty through the winter while being moisture-wicking and breathable in the summer months.
Cotton is also a fantastic swaddling fabric because it’s so flexible - meaning you can swaddle your tot tight without them feeling too constrained.
On top of this, cotton is soft on your baby’s skin thanks to its fine fibres.
Further benefits of cotton include:
- Breathability
- Sustainability
- Hypoallergenic
- Resistant to absorbing odours
- Low maintenance
- A long lifespan
Why Opt for Organic Over Regular Cotton Cot Bedding?
When you choose organic cotton, you're opting for a softer, safer, and more natural fabric for your baby's bedding. Organic cotton is made without harsh chemical dyes, and it's grown without synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides, keeping it gentle against your baby's sensitive skin. With organic cotton, you can rest easy knowing that your little one is nestled in pure, chemical-free comfort.
Not only is organic cotton incredibly soft, but it's also strong and resilient. It's perfect for little ones who toss and turn in their sleep, and it holds up beautifully through countless washes and the occasional spill. Organic cotton bedding is a gentle yet durable choice, making bedtime a dreamy and cosy experience for you and your baby.
Discover our blog on the advantages of organic cotton for more details on just why we love cottonso much.
What Thread Count Should My Cotton Cot Bedding Be?
When it comes to thread count for baby bedding, there are no firm rules. Our recommendation is a lovely 200-thread count. We find it’s a perfect balance of high quality and soft feel while still being lightweight for optimum temperature.
To learn more about thread counts, check out our thread count blog.
How Do I Know if a Material is Safe for My Children’s Cot Bedding?
You want the best for your baby, and that means bedding that’s completely free from harmful substances and chemicals.
Bedding made in OKEO-TEXⓇ 100-certified factories is carefully tested for any nasty chemicals – and, as luck would have it, all our baby bedding is OKEO-TEXⓇ 100-certified!
To be extra safe, we recommend washing your baby’s bedding as soon as it arrives so it’s completely free from anything unpleasant. This will also help it to be lovely and soft, as our organic cotton softens more and more with each wash.
How Do I Care for Cotton Cot Bedding?
Cotton cot bedding should be washed regularly, often at between 30 and 40 degrees. Be sure to read the care instructions on your individual bedding set for further guidance, or take a peek at our cot bedding care guide.
How Much Cot Bedding Should I Buy?
So, you’ve found the most adorable cot bedding, and you can’t wait to see your cherub all snuggled up in it. But do you have enough bedding? The NHS recommends having at least four bedding sets for your tot, as baby bedding needs to be changed regularly for health and hygiene.
Should Children’s Cot Bedding Be Thin or Bulky Fabric?
You want your tot to be super snug and warm - but resist the urge to buy thick or weighted blankets or swaddles! Light is best for a baby.
Bulky bedding can cause them to become incredibly hot and bothered - leading to lots of fussing in the night and no sleep for either of you!
What Material Should I Use for My Child’s Pillow and Duvet?
When your child is around 18 months to two years old, you might want to introduce a pillow or duvet into their sleeping space. We recommend opting for a pillow and duvet with a hypoallergenic filling - after all, you never know what allergies your little one has.
Our filling of choice is hypoallergenic natural wool that’s super temperature-regulating and machine washable for ease
What Size Should My Cot Bedding Be?
As well as the type of material used, size is also an important consideration when it comes to your baby’s bedding.
For example, you want your fitted sheet to be snug around the mattress and not come loose. Our children’s bedding size guide can give you a helping hand with this.
Explore our cute-as-can-be cot bedding collection today so your little one can slumber on the comfy sheets they deserve. Need further tips on selecting the best bedding for your tot? Our Ultimate Guide to Choosing Safe and Comfortable Cot Bedding has all the advice you need!
