What is a baby nest and do you really need one?

Baby nest, beds, bedding, and cuddly toys. Creating the right conditions for a good night’s sleep and cozy rest for small children is not always easy. But with the right choice of materials, the right accessories, and good routines, you are well on your way. In our range, you’ll find most things that help good sleeping habits. Don’t forget a goodnight story!

What is a baby nest, and do you really need one?

A baby nest, also sometimes called a snuggle nest, is not a bed but an oval-shaped mattress with soft sides or edges to prevent the baby from rolling out. It’s light and portable so you can easily move it from room to room and also take it with you when traveling. It’s the perfect item to make your baby feel at home, wherever you are, and the next best thing to being in your arms.

Baby nests have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Their popularity has, in part, been due to doctors recommending that babies sleep on their backs, which is now thought to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies have suggested that sleeping on the stomach may increase the probability that the baby re-breathes their own exhaled air, leading to carbon dioxide buildup and low oxygen levels.

What is a baby nest used for?

A baby’s nest is perfectly engineered for comfortable, supervised resting. They are designed to be a snug, secure place for your baby to relax, reminiscent of the womb - only now they can observe the world around them! 

Baby nests are versatile and can be used for all sorts of activities. For example, playing with your baby at floor level or for those special family moments when you want to gather around your baby. It’s the perfect spot to give them a little massage and can also be used to support them in one position when you place a baby gym above their head to stimulate their senses.

Features to look for in a baby nest

When choosing a baby nest, you should look for many of the same features as you would with baby clothes or other soft accessories. The material should be free from harmful substances, phthalates, heavy metals, and known allergens. The baby nests from Filibabba are crafted with GOTS-certified organic cotton, and the cover is machine washable, so it’s easy to care for and keep fresh.

There should be no loose strings or cords on the baby nest to prevent choking, and the side panels should be high enough so that your baby can’t lift their head onto the panel and not be able to pull it back. Liewood’s baby nests are designed with high padded sides for utmost comfort and protection and meet or exceed EU safety standard EN:1466.

Breathability refers to the airflow in a product. Some brands test the breathability of the baby nest to reduce the risk of suffocation in the unlikely event of a baby’s mouth resting against the side panels.

How to use the baby nest

Put the baby nest on a flat, non-heated surface when it’s ready to be used for rest time or playtime - or simply some hands-free time for you! Place your baby’s head at the pointed end of the baby nest, and always make sure their back is in the middle of the nest. Safely secure any blankets or quilts under the baby nest and only use them to cover your baby up to their stomach.

How not to use the baby nest

There has been some controversy around using the baby nest for co-sleeping. In France, medical personnel encourage baby nests for co-sleeping, while in Canada, co-sleeping safety has been called into question as it hasn’t yet been thoroughly evaluated. The Swedish Childcare Center and National Board of Health and Welfare do not recommend co-sleeping with newborn babies or infants under three months. The best thing to do is check the advice in your country and speak to your family doctor if you are unsure or have any questions.

When a baby nest is used in the bed, the baby’s head should be located at the same height as the parent’s head. This way, it’s less likely that the baby might be accidentally covered with a duvet or blanket. If you plan to use a baby nest for co-sleeping, choose a wide baby nest with low sides. Narrow nests with high sides are better for supervising a baby who is awake.

Always use the baby nest on a flat, low surface to prevent your baby from falling or rolling, and stop using it once they can roll onto their belly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Baby nests aren’t carriers and should not be used with additional mattresses or waterproof pee pads. 

As long as you keep these things in mind, the baby nest will be a cozy, safe space for your little one. It really is one of those parenting essentials, and the ideal gift for parents of small babies.