We’ve seen many baby and nursery trends coming and going, but it looks like that baby nests are here to stay. It’s easy to see why. It brings many benefits for parents and babies alike.
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What Is a Baby Nest?
Source: babymatters.com
A baby nest is a supportive sleeping pod that allows your baby to nap, sleep and relax in a variety of environments. It features a supportive foam mattress surrounded by a plush padded edge that keeps your baby comfortable and secure. It also comes with a cover, generally made from organic fabrics and machine washable for easy cleaning. Having a baby nest bed can make a world of difference when travelling, napping in unfamiliar spaces, transitioning to sleeping in a crib and more.
A Snuggle Space for Newborns
The compactness of the baby nest bed ensures your newborn feels safe and secure. Due to the oval shape with raised edges, your newborn baby will feel like they’re in the womb again, safe from everything and everyone. It will make your baby feel relaxed, and hopefully, they will take a lot of naps in it.
Great for Traveling
Using your baby nest when travelling by plane provides a secure, comfortable and soothing sleeping space for your little one and will make the flight much easier on you. Baby nests are also great to use for train travel as the net can be easily moved around using the handle straps.
A Familiar Sleeping Space
When it comes to familiarity, babies are very perceptive; they imprint on scent, sound, touch and other senses more than you know. Wherever you are – whether visiting family or on vacation, the baby nest provides a familiar sleeping space in otherwise new and unfamiliar environments. Your baby will recognize the familiar feel of their nest and be soothed to sleep in no time.
Great Tool for Transitioning to Sleeping in a Crib
Placing the baby nest in the crib will help your baby to get used to sleeping in their own space, thus making the transition to the crib much easier.
Grows With Your Baby
It can be hard to know what to do with all the nursery and baby items when they become obsolete as your little one grows. Another great thing about baby nests is that they can be used for a longer period of time since the baby pod is adjustable. Nests generally come with practical adjustable drawstrings at the bottom – simply tie the strings of the baby nest nice and snug when your little bubba is a newborn and then gradually loosen them up as your little one grows.
How Should You Use the Baby Nest?
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Whilst a baby nest is an amazing thing to have, it’s important to note that it isn’t SIDS or SUDI safe. For this reason, it should always be supervised when being used. It is also important to use it on a firm, flat, non-heated surface. Place your baby always on their back in the middle of the nest with their head at the pointed end. Safely secure quilts or blankets under the nest and only cover your baby up to their stomach.
How to Dress Baby for Bed?
Source: babywisemom.com
Wearing the right sleepwear can help your baby be much more comfortable and safe in bed. In warmer weather, you can dress your baby in sleeveless and legless onesies, or just a nappy and a singlet. For cooler weather, a full suit will keep your baby warm. If using a blanket, make sure it’s also lightweight and made from a breathable fabric. If using a sleeping bag, select the TOG that matches the temperature of the room. Never place soft items in the nest such as overlays, as they increase the risk of overheating. And NO hats and beanies in bed. Babies cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. If they fall asleep wearing hats or beanies, they can quickly overheat. Headwear in bed can also be a choking or suffocation hazard.
How Often to Wash Baby Bedding?
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Even if you’ve chosen bamboo bedding and blankets due to their antibacterial properties, washing your baby bedding often is still important. The same applies to the nest cover. Hygiene is an important aspect of your baby’s health, so you need to keep your little one’s things clean at all times. When it comes to how often is often, it really depends on your baby. Two or three times per week may be enough, but if you have a messier baby, you may have to wash the bedding every day. Milk and food spills and even your baby’s saliva, sweat and excreta can turn your baby’s bedding into a pigsty. Dust, hair and dead skin can also gather and accumulate on the sheets over time. Consequently, your baby’s being would attract bacteria and pests that would adversely impact their health. With that said, wash your baby’s bedding at least twice a week or more often if necessary.