| 1. How to keep dust mites at bay?
2. How to choose a cot?
3. What to look out for when choosing a mattress?
4. How to choose bedding for my baby?
5. How many bedding sets should I purchase for my baby?
6. How often should I wash the bedding set?
7. What's the difference between 100% cotton fabric and synthetic fabric?
8. Should baby use pillow?
Disclaimer: We try our utmost to provide accurate and updated information. Tips and advice on this site are merely based on our experiences and other reliable sources. Dynamic Resources Pte Ltd shall not be held accountable if you act on the advice.
1. How to keep dust mites at bay
We strongly believe that products used by babies should be clean and uncontaminated from dust, dust mites and their associated allergens. For those who are unaware, the antimicrobial properties (in anti microbial treated fabrics) do not last forever - their effectiveness deteriorate after several washes. Hence, in order to keep dust mites at bay, we recommend the following:
+ Reduce the humidity in your home. Dust mites will not thrive below 64% relative humidity. But this is highly
...impossible with Singapore humidity. Consider using a dehumidifier.
+ Air all beds and bedding regularly in the hot sun.
+ Regularly wash all bedding on hot water over 60 degree celsius.
+ Change sheets and cover regularly.
+ Cover conventional mattresses and pillows with micro-porous material to prevent infestation.
+ Keep window open after a shower or bath or while cooking (if possible) to let steam out.
+ Use a vacuum cleaner with high filtration features. If your vacuum cleaner is not a high filtration variety,
...never reuse soiled bags.
+ Always open windows (if possible) when cleaning. Any disturbed allergens will be blown outside on a
...draught of air.
+ On sunny dry days, air your home and hang out rugs or blankets. Mites hate sunlight and will try to hide!
+ Mites cannot control their body heat. Put soft toys or other small items in the freezer or tumble drier (hot) will
...destroy them. However, a hot wash followed by thorough drying is really the best way to prevent mite
...colonies from becoming established.Back to the top
2. How to choose a cot?
+ The cot must conform to international safety standard.
+ Babies are placed on their back to sleep on a flat and firm mattress, never on soft surfaces such as fluffy
...pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, or other surfaces not specifically designed for infants.
+ Fitted crib sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad fit securely on the mattress.
+ Bumper pads fit around the entire crib and are tied securely into place.
+ Comforters and blankets are placed on top of a sleeping baby and never under the baby.
+ There is no excess length after strap is tied, this is to prevent baby from chewing on bumper straps, ties, or
...ribbons or becoming entangled and strangled.
+ Mobiles, fluffy pillow and plush toys are removed when baby is sleeping or unattended.
Source: The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (USA):
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3. What to look out for when choosing a mattress?
Differences among cot mattresses.
Synthetic foam mattresses:
+ Fragile structure breaks down quickly causing foam to sag.
+ Provide poor support, either too stiff or too mushy.
+ Trap moisture, warmer to sleep and also a favorable environment for dust mites, molds and mildew to thrive.
Spring mattresses:
+ Warmer to sleep on as they are usually covered with synthetic fabric and padded with synthetic foam.
+ Not washable and with repeated wetting and soiling, the spring coils will get rusty and damaged over time.
+ Favorable environment for dust mites, molds and mildew to thrive.
Baby Safe Latex mattress:
+ Safe and 100% natural Contains no formaldehyde, no toxic substance and emits no fumes.
+ Anti allergenic Anti bacterial, mold free, dust free, dust mite free making it safe for the respiratory system.
+ Gives good support Uniform cushioning, no sags, fluff or depression. Flat, firm and highly resilience ~
...resumes shape immediately.
+ Moisture resistance - cooler and more comfortable to sleep The Open Cell Structure and millions of
...breathable tiny air holes effectively ventilate body heat and humidity.
+ Durable and easy to care Officially passed the durability test according to the international German
...standard.
+ Use of 100% cotton coverings in all products for better comfort. Allow moisture to permeate and escape
...instead of trapping it.
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4. How to choose bedding for my baby
A nursery should be soothing and serene rather than exciting or cluttered. Babies less than 6 weeks can't focus on objects further than about 8 - 12 inches and respond best to simple, black-and-white patterns. After 6 weeks, babies' visions improve and are stimulated by bold, bright colours. However, offering an over-stimulated sleeping environment may lead to sensory overload and confusion. That said, parents should decorate cot with soft, pastel shades and include visual stimulation objects such as mobile or a selection of colourful toys. It is advisable to remove these stimulating objects when preparing babies to sleep.
The Baby First Wardrobe bedding products offer designs that are fresh, soft and classic in simple clean lines without frills and fuss. We choose only 100% natural quality fabrics for better comfort and durability.
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5. How many bedding sets should I purchase for my baby?
Generally, 2 - 3 full sets comprising of crib sheet, full bumper, comforter, cases for pillow and bolster should suffice. But extra pillow cases and crib sheet are highly recommended. Comforter is redundant in our kind our climate. That's why, we at The Baby First Wardrobe, offer comforters that are doubled up as blankets or throws. Our comforters feature pattern-stitch construction that keep fill in place and ensure allover warmth; they are also thin, light weight and generously sized.
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6. How often should I wash the bedding set?
Crib Sheet and comforter (if used daily as blanket) should be washed weekly while bumpers need to be washed monthly. Ideally bumpers should be vacuumed weekly to remove dust particles. Pillow and bolster cases should be washed regularly, such as every 2 to 3 days or whenever they are soiled.Back to the top
7. What's the difference between 100% cotton fabric and synthetic fabric?
Cotton vs. Polyester
Cotton fibres are harvested from seed pods of the cotton plant. 100% Cotton fabrics are highly recommended for they are natural and cool. Cotton fibres absorb and release perspiration quickly, thus allowing fabrics to "breathe". Being highly absorbent with wet strength, it can withstand frequent washing at high temperature.
It's the best fabric for babies and children because they cause less irritation to a baby's delicate skin.
Polyester is produced entirely from chemical sources, a polymer produced from coal, air, water, and petroleum products. Cotton/polyester blend is commonly used for beddings. Although easier to care for, it takes away the 'coolness' from cotton and also added a "pilling" effect.
What kind of cotton?
Cotton fabrics vary in quality depending on where the plant is grown, the weaving structure, thread count and treatments.
Combed cotton is cleaner, because it has been combed. That means more of the cotton seeds have been combed out of it. It normally feels softer than regular 100% cotton. Sateen Cotton is a satin weave (very closely woven) and is slightly shiny.
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8. Should baby use pillow?
Generally soft and fluffy pillows are not encouraged as babies may bury their face on the pillows causing suffocation.
What about Baby Safe Infant Pillow?
Baby Safe Infant Pillow is designed to elevate infant's head for comfort and easier breathing. Unlike a soft and fluffy pillow, Baby Safe Infant Pillow's firm and flat surface reduces the risk of infant suffocation. It provides a hygienic sleeping area for the baby's head. The anti-allergenic and excellent ventilation properties help prevent babies from allergies and asthma as no dust or particles are present.
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