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Sleep Baby Sleep: Baby Bedding and Sleep Environment

The Options
Bassinet. If you’re thinking of sleep sharing, a co-sleeper bassinet that opens on one side to attach to the parent’s bed is ideal. It’ll allow you to fit the bassinet with baby-safe bedding while allowing you to keep the baby close by. The other type of bassinet is a basket raised to hip height that has a high cover over the baby’s face to provide shade. One disadvantage of a bassinet is that your baby will only be able to use it for a few months.

Crib. A crib will last your newborn into late babyhood. Make sure that the grates on your crib aren’t too wide and that there are no dangerous holes in which your baby’s head or limbs can get tangled.

Cradle. A cradle offers the option to rock your baby into idyllic slumber. If you choose a cradle, be sure to get a sturdy model that won’t fall over if it is bumped against; and make sure it’s more bottom heavy.

Moses Basket. Beautiful and portable, a moses basket comes already fitted with bottom sheets and provides cool comfort.

Bedding
A firmer mattress should be used beneath your baby, and keep pillows out of the nest. Flannel-backed waterproof mattress covers will ensure that your baby stays cool, dry and safe. Use fitted sheets and small blanket that are made of soft and lightweight material, and never use a heavy comforter.

Sleeping Environment
Keep your baby comfortably warm, but never hot. Also, while older children may fear the monsters in the closet, a baby is fearless; this makes nightlights unnecessary, and may even make sleep less tranquil. To prevent SIDS, keep your baby on his back.