All About Baby Nests
Adding a beautiful baby nest to your newborn inventory is a great idea, but what exactly is a baby nest and when would you use it? Not only do baby nests offer a cosy place for your little one to snuggle up in but many of the designs can also be unzipped to create a soft surface for things like tummy-time play and baby changing.
With so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which style to choose. To lend a hand, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the collection and find the best fit for your baby.
Image by Tartine et Chocolat
What is a baby nest?
Think of a nest as a little cocoon that mimics the feeling of being held or growing in Mum’s tummy. They’re soft, squishy and come in all sorts of shapes and designs. The idea is to create a relaxing environment for your baby which helps to promote calmness and a sense of being protected whilst also offering an extra layer of warmth.
Many of our designs can also be unzipped or opened out to create a soft surface, either to create a flexible changing space or to pop under their baby play gym. They really are a vertaile addition to the nursery.
When would I use a baby nest?
Baby nests offer the perfect place to take a pause, whether that's for play, bonding, or a supervised snooze. Thanks to their lightweight, cushioned design, they're easy to move around and transport, ensuring that you find the optimum spot for your baby to take in their surroundings, all the while giving you peace of mind that they are comfortable. Nests come in plenty of different designs, either fully enveloped, perfect for the colder months, or open with high sides, preventing baby from rolling and wriggling around too much — this could be a good option for things like trimming their nails (a delicate task that requires a more controlled environment), baby massage time, or just giving you a spare moment to have a shower.
Are nests safe for my baby?
When it comes to safety, The Lullaby Trust recommends that nests should not be used for sleeping, but instead, are for supervised moments only, like enjoying visits from friends and family or using to help support infants as they learn to sit. A sleeping bag, however, as the name suggests, is designed to be slept in. They vary in togs and come with well-designed features for a safe snooze which you can read about in our handy sleeping bag guide.
If your baby does decide to have a nap in their nest, then it's important to consider the following:
- Ensure the nest is placed on a firm, flat surface to prevent the material from collapsing in and covering your baby's face.
- Never leave your baby unattended in a baby nest. Nests are for supervised moments only.
- Consider the temperature. Nests come in a variety of thicknesses and materials; avoid padded and thicker material weights for warmer months to prevent your baby from overheating.
Best of Baby Nests
Whether you’re looking for something stylish, searching for eco-friendly credentials or all of the above, our baby nest collection ticks every box.