Creating an Anti-Allergy Sleep Environment for Your Baby

During the spring and summer months, allergies can present a problem for children and adults alike. Babies’ skin, in particular, is especially sensitive to irritating materials and dust mites. For this reason, it’s especially important to ensure an anti-allergy nursery environment for your little one. Not sure where to start? Read on to learn more.

What Does Anti-Allergy Mean?

When we talk about anti-allergy products here at The Little Green Sheep, we’re referring more specifically to the anti-dust mite properties of the key materials they’re made with. Take our natural mattresses, for example.

At the heart of all our mattresses, aside from springy coconut coir and super soft cotton, is our (not so!) secret ingredient; Wool. Breathable and anti-allergenic, it’s the perfect ingredient for crib & cot mattresses.

Why Is Having an Anti-Allergy Sleep Space Important for Your Child?

Dust-mites and bed bugs can cause a myriad of problems if they take residence in your baby's bedding or mattress. Their presence can irritate the skin, causing redness and itchiness that can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.

Unfortunately, mattresses and bedding are the perfect breeding ground for these little pests to thrive in, due to the warmth produced by human body heat and sweat.

Begin With the Basics

For many parents, ensuring your little one is only exposed to the most natural, quality materials is high on the priority list. When ensuring an anti-allergy nursery for your little one, start with the basics. A good night’s sleep begins and ends with your baby’s mattress.

The layers that make up the core of our natural mattresses are held together by a luxury Herringbone cotton cover. This tightly woven outer casing acts as a barrier to prevent dust mites from accessing the core, while aiding the breathability of the mattress.

Breathable materials like the cotton and wool used in our mattresses promote a dry sleep environment, and are soft against your baby’s delicate skin, so they can sleep comfortably time and time again.

When prepping your baby’s cosleeper or Moses basket, their mattress is the key component worth investing in, regardless of whether it’s your first child or not. While many parents expecting their second or third child may already have a cot or crib they can reuse, The Lullaby Trust recommends that, where possible, parents should get a new mattress for each new baby.

Doing this ensures optimum firmness and support for your newborn as they sleep, as well as better hygiene. You may also consider a natural mattress for their pram or stroller, to ensure only the purest and most comfortable sleep environment, wherever they go.

When your little one makes the inevitable transition to their own nursery space and bedroom, continue to provide them with anti-allergy mattresses for longer lasting comfort and support. Browse our cot bed and children’s mattresses today.

Get the Best Out of Bedding

Little Green Sheep organic duvet and pillow sets are made with natural British wool, which has natural temperature regulating properties. Perfect for year-round use, our organic duvet and pillows can be machine-washed. Ideal for pollen season, washing your duvet every few months can prevent allergens from settling on the material.

Pair a natural duvet with our unique, luxury organic linen and cotton blend sheets. Super soft on sensitive skin, our new collection of patterned bedding ranges from cot and crib sheets, to adorable quilted sleeping bags for your baby. For extra comfort, our organic knitted cellular blankets are perfect for swaddling little ones while they nap.

Anti-allergy nurseries don’t have to look sterile. Style your nursery with patterns, or opt for a more classic, neutral vibe. No matter your taste, our elegant range of cool and warm-toned bedding and sleepwear is versatile enough to suit most nursery styles.

Extra Anti-Allergy Tips

Once you’ve chosen your little one’s mattress and bedding, you might be wondering what more you can do to ensure their space is clean, breathable, and dust-free.

The easiest way to do this is to ensure any carpets, playmats, or rugs in their nursery are regularly vacuumed to eliminate sitting allergens and dust. When cleaning window sills and other hard surfaces, be sure to use a slightly damp cloth or sponge to pick up dust instead of simply moving it.

Come laundry day, why not let your child’s mattress air out for a few hours? Let it sit free of sheets until you next use it. If you feel it could do with cleaning, wipe it down gently, or hoover the surface to remove excess dust or debris. If you do choose to give it a wipe, allow the mattress time to air dry fully before use.

When washing baby clothes, opt for gentle bio detergents to reduce the chance of skin irritation, and store everything away appropriately to avoid gathering dust. Make sure to have plenty of soft toys on rotation for regular washes, too. Hard though it can be to tear little ones from their cuddlies, doing so will ensure a more hygienic anti-allergy nursery.

For toddlers and children, consider peeling their covers back before making the bed to let the mattress and duvet air out and stay fresh.

Sleeping Well, Naturally

Once you’ve taken all the necessary measures, you can rest assured that your little one should rest soundly in a natural and breathable sleep space. Should you have any outlying concerns regarding any skin or dust allergies your child may have, please seek professional advice from a GP or health consultant.