When Should Babies Have Bedding

When Should Babies Have Bedding?

As a new parent, you may be wondering when your baby is ready for bedding. The answer depends on several factors, including your baby's age, development, and sleeping habits.

Safety First

The most important thing to consider when deciding when to give your baby bedding is safety. Soft bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in a bare crib without any soft bedding until they are at least 1 year old.

Signs of Readiness

Once your baby is 1 year old, you can start to think about introducing bedding. However, it's important to look for signs that your baby is ready. These signs include:

Rolling over: If your baby can roll over from their back to their stomach and back again, they are less likely to get tangled in blankets or pillows.
Sitting up: If your baby can sit up on their own, they can more easily move themselves out of blankets or pillows that are covering their face.
Pulling up to stand: If your baby can pull themselves up to stand, they are more likely to be able to get out of bed if they need to.

Choosing Safe Bedding

Once you're sure your baby is ready for bedding, you'll need to choose safe products. Look for bedding that is:

Firm: Mattresses should be firm and flat, with no soft spots or indentations.
Fitted: Sheets should fit snugly around the mattress, with no loose corners or gaps.
Breathable: Blankets and sleep sacks should be made of breathable materials, such as cotton or muslin.
Washable: Bedding should be machine-washable and dryer-safe.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

In addition to choosing safe bedding, you'll also need to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. This means:

Putting your baby to sleep on their back: This is the safest sleep position for babies.
Keeping your baby's sleep area free of soft objects: This includes pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and toys.
Maintaining a cool room temperature: Babies sleep best in a cool room, between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a white noise machine or fan: These can help to block out noise and create a more soothing sleep environment.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help your baby sleep safely and comfortably. If you have any questions about your baby's sleep, talk to your pediatrician.