By Kushies Baby

You’re having a baby! This exciting time is filled with firsts.  There’s a lot to learn and prepare for and some things aren’t as important as others.

Getting your baby’s nursery ready is a wonderful time filled with so much joy at what’s around the corner. 

That being said, it’s easy to overlook the essentials when it comes to linens.  Below are some helpful tips on what you need and what you’ll use most in baby linens.

Crib sheets:  Having enough crib sheets is essential to making it through the first year.  Choose soft, 100% cotton fabrics like flannel against your baby’s new and delicate skin.  If you have a bedding set already picked out, solid colored sheets are easy to coordinate and there are numerous prints available that you can choose from as well.  Standard crib sheets measure 28 x 52 and should have a full elastic to keep the sheet firmly in place.  Changing sheets in the middle of the night isn’t uncommon so it’s best to keep an extra sheet close by so you can get it done quickly and efficiently.

Waterproof mattress protector:  If your crib mattress isn’t waterproof, a mattress protector is essential for leak protection.  

Changing Pad Covers:  Many changing pads are vinyl and not ideal for baby to lie on while being changed.  You can purchase a changing pad cover that either matches your crib sheet or easily coordinates to keep the look and feel of the room.

Waterproof changing pads:   Here is an essential item that is often overlooked at the start.  A waterproof changing pad is waterproof on one side and soft on the other that keeps your baby clean and protects furniture while changing.  It fits in the diaper bag and will be used multiple times a day.  Use one on your changing pad and keep one handy in any room you may need to change your baby so you don’t need to go to the nursery for every change.  Make sure you opt for a changing pad that is large enough to accommodate your growing baby (minimum 20” x 30”).

Bassinet Sheets: Most bassinets include 1 bassinet sheet that may or may not be 100% cotton.  You’ll need to supplement this sheet with a spare and this sounds a lot easier than it is.  Bassinets are anything but standard when it comes to size.  Be sure to check the size of your bassinet before buying a bassinet sheet.  One size does not fit all.  Kushies offers a Multi-fit Adjustable Bassinet envelope sheet which fits 15” – 15.5” in width and 27” to 32” inches in length as well as an 18” x 30” elasticized sheet.  If you’re unsure of the size you’ll need, call the manufacturer to get valuable experience on what will work for you.

Wearable Sleep Blanket:  Wearable sleep blankets are the only blankets that are recommended for baby’s crib.   There are a variety to choose from in differing fabrics and weights.  For wearable blankets, warmth is determined by a TOG rating.  The higher the tog rating, the warmer the blanket is.  The most popular rating is that of 2.5 Tog.  This rating is perfect for 20 C which is typically suitable year round.   Other Tog ratings are available for warmer or cooler temperatures. 

Playpen Sheets: Playpen mats tend to be cold and often are made of vinyl.  A playpen sheet is a natural add on to make baby’s playtime comfortable and cozy.  Choose a fabric that is soft on baby’s skin with a full elastic construction for a more secure fit.

Take the guesswork out of shopping for baby linens and enjoy this very precious time.

Linens shopping list

3-4 crib sheets

1-2 waterproof mattress protectors

2 changing pad covers

4 waterproof  changing pads

1-2 playpen sheets

2 bassinet sheets if needed

2-3 wearable sleep blankets

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tog_(unit)