The cot is the most important part of the nursery. It is where new babies will spend the majority of their time dreaming sweet dreams. The cot bedding also helps set the tone and style of the nursery. Whether you want a nautical or a fairy princess theme, you want your new baby to be safe and comfortable. Before you purchase cot bedding, read through our guide to determine which pieces are essential and get helpful tips.

Cot Bedding Pieces

Fitted Cot Sheet

A fitted sheet is the only real necessity for a cot. For safety, it should fit snugly over the mattress. It should not be loose or become bunched up as the baby moves around. Most fitted sheets come in standard sizes, so if you have a specialty mattress (like a round cot or bassinet) be sure to find the right size sheet for your mattress. Flat cot sheets should never be used.

Cot Mattress Pad

A waterproof mattress pad will help protect the mattress from unavoidable accidents. The pad should be no thicker than 1 inch and allow the fitted sheet to still fit snugly over the mattress. Cot mattresses, like all mattresses, are prone to dust mites and capturing allergens. Consider purchasing an anti-allergen mattress encasement for your baby's health.

Cot Skirt

Cot skirts are decorative, and they do hide the mattress supports from toddlers' fingers, as they may try to investigate and hurt themselves. Cot skirts also prevent the sheet from coming into contact with the mattress support springs, which can rip the sheets. Cot skirts help complete the look of a nursery. Longer skirts can cover up under-cot storage, while shorter ones might not provide much coverage for concealing items under the cot.

Blankets and Swaddles

Swaddling and receiving blankets can be used in the cot and are not considered dangerous for new babies. In fact, swaddling a newborn can be a helpful transition from the womb to the outside world, by simulating the tightness and pressure of the womb. It can reduce the risk of SIDS, improve neuromuscular development, and help babies sleep longer.

To properly set up your baby's new bed, follow these instructions below:

• Place the anti-allergen mattress encasement around the mattress.
• Top with the waterproof mattress pad.
• Place the fitted sheet over the mattress, ensuring it is tight on the mattress.
• Any and all decorative elements can be placed in the cot now. However, remove these before setting the baby down to rest.

Tip!

Keep multiple sets of essentials — mattress pads, fitted sheets, blankets — on hand so you can quickly and easily change the cot bedding when an accident happens.

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Bedding Setup

To properly set up your baby's new bed, follow these instructions below:

• Place the anti-allergen mattress encasement around the mattress.
• Top with the waterproof mattress pad.
• Place the fitted sheet over the mattress, ensuring it is tight on the mattress.
• Any and all decorative elements can be placed in the cot now. However, remove these before setting the baby down to rest.

Cot Bedding Tips

Machine-Washable

• New parent's lives will be a whole lot easier if everything in the baby's cot, from the mattress pad to the comforter, is machine-washable. It is a given that accidents will happen, but if you can toss everything into the washing machine, there will be much less stress and anxiety about accidents.

Healthy and Organic

• Many people choose organic or chemical-free fabrics for their baby's cot bedding. If your baby has sensitive skin and is prone to rashes, opt for organic or chemical-free sheets. Whether or not you go down this route, be sure to wash the baby's bedding, clothing, and blankets in a chemical-free detergent made for sensitive skin.

Fabric Options

• A majority of cot bedding is made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. High-cotton blends or 100 percent cotton sheets are preferable for babies. Flannel cotton sheets retain heat, which is ideal for a baby born in winter. Cotton blend sheets allow air to circulate, keeping the baby cool in summer months. 

Cot Bedding Sets vs. Individual Pieces

• Purchasing a cot bedding set allows you to get the majority of cot bedding pieces you need to complete your nursery all at once. Sets can include any combination of fitted sheet, comforter/quilt, bumper, skirt, and decorative pillow. This often gives first time parents peace of mind, as there are many items on your to-do list. A bedding set establishes a decorating theme and colour palette.
• Purchasing individual pieces allows parents to create a one-of-a-kind nursery look. Also, it is important to keep multiple cot sheets on hand for when accidents happen. You can purchase individual fitted sheets without also purchasing additional cot skirts or decorative pillows. This can also be a budget-friendly option if a parent has received hand-me-down bedding and is looking to pick up any missing pieces.