If you look around on various baby health websites, the information can be quite confusing. Information can be mixed and sometimes contrary to what you as a mum feel would be good for your baby.
For instances, some experts believe that the mattress should be covered in PVC whilst others say that babies bed clothes should be fire retardant treated.
Experts change from weaning at 3 mths to 6 mths, from putting baby to sleep face down, to sleeping on their back!!! Some say don’t sleep with baby in the bed…but I always did!
As a mum who has raised 2 children and is into natural living, I find these options grate against the grain. However, I am not a so called medical expert and you are free to follow advice you think you should follow. When it comes to baby I think only you know best, and sometimes with all the best intentions in the world, we end up having to change our opinions when it comes to the crunch.
So here’s my top ten tips on choosing natural baby bedding
1. buy an organic mattress, that is made of all natural materials, it can easily meet British fire standards without chemicals and should display the BS7177 standard as minimum.
2. Check the cot to be sure that the mattress fits snugly. There should be no corner-post extensions and no decorative cut outs in the headboard or foot board which could trap your baby's limbs
3. Buy organic cotton bedding that can be washed up to 60 or 95C to kill any bacteria or dust mites.
4. Use an organic cotton mattress protector to help prevent the mattress from being soiled. This should also be washable at a high temperature.
5. Use organic cotton bedding and sheets. The organic choice will mean that there are no chemical residues, in the fabric and the natural fibres will ensure that baby is at the right temperature
6. Do swaddle!!! Babies like feeling snug as they felt in the womb. It’s very comforting.
7. Use an organic duvet and an organic pillow after baby is about 1 year old, its not really suggested before then. If it is cold use a plush organic cotton or wool blanket. Acrylic blankets aren’t great and again a natural option is better at regulating temperature.
8. Make sure that the room has not just been painted when you put baby in. If it is painted, paint well before, air and ventilate and use an organic paint such as Auro paints instead of Dulux.
9. I wouldn’t suggest the immediate use of a dust mite spray on the bedding to begin with. Once its on, it won’t fade away straight away and if it doesn’t agree with baby then you may have a problem, just vacuum babies mattress weekly with the upholstery attachment and wash the bedding regularly.
10. Only use natural cleaning products in babies room and on babies bedding, avoid heavy chemical cleaners, detergents or highly scented fabric conditioners.
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