Essential Baby Sleep Needs

Essential baby sleep needs stretch further than merely decorating the nursery. There are so many adorable things to choose from. Sure there are a few must-haves that every new baby will need when they first come home from the hospital.

Every baby needs somewhere to sleep, so a crib is a good start. Some people prefer to have the baby in a bassinet or cradle in their room until the baby is a bit older. This way the baby is close by at night, and the smaller size of the bassinet makes the adjustment a little easier for some babies.

Essential Baby Sleep Needs

Co-sleepers are also popular, as it keeps the baby even closer for late night feedings, but is still in their own space. Take your time when shopping to make sure you are getting the best quality for the money.

Having the right mattress for the crib is also crucial. It should be a new, firm mattress. The mattress also needs to fit snugly in the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib frame, the mattress is too small.

You can never have enough sheets. When those inevitable leaks happen, it is good to have plenty of replacement sheets handy for quick changes during the night or naptime. It is also important that the sheets fit well. If they are too loose, they can tangle around the baby at night.

Most people love the adorable comforter sets. They come with matching bumper pads and sheets. However, research has shown that it is best to not have the comforter and bumper pads in the crib as they can contribute to SIDS when the baby is less than a year old. You can still get the sets, and simply use the comforter while snuggling in the rocker until the baby is old enough to use it in the crib.

A great alternative to the comforters for keeping the baby warm is the baby sack. These are like sleeping bags with head and armholes. They keep the baby warm and they aren't able to squirm out from under them like they can a blanket.

Often-overlooked baby sleep needs

Once you've purchased the bedding for the baby's room, be sure to wash it first with a gentle baby detergent. It will help reduce any possible dye residue on the product, as well as give it a nice, fresh scent.