When you're choosing a baby nest for the first time, what stands out most is how many variations there are. Teddy, cotton, muslin, corduroy, velvet, reversible. They might look similar in a photo, but they differ significantly in use. And the most important question is usually simpler than you think: in which season will your baby be born?
Below, we compare the different fabrics. No sales talk, because you only buy a baby nest that's too warm for summer once.
Teddy: warm, thick and soft
Teddy fabric, also known as bouclé or baranek, is that thick, curled fabric that feels like a cuddly toy. It's the warmest option of them all.
Choose teddy if your baby is born between approximately September and March, or if your house tends to be cooler. Teddy retains warmth and immediately gives a nest that soft, enclosed look that many parents love.
Note: precisely because teddy is warm, it's less pleasant on a summer day. In that case, consider a reversible model.
Cotton: usable all year round
Cotton is the safest choice if you're in doubt. It's breathable, feels neutral, and is easy to wash.
Choose cotton if you want one nest that can be used all year round, or if your baby tends to get warm easily.
Muslin: the lightest of all
Muslin is thinly woven cotton, also known as double gauze. It's the most breathable of all the fabrics we carry and gets a little softer after each wash.
Choose muslin if your baby is born in spring or summer, or if you envision a light, airy room.
Corduroy and velvet: the eye's choice
In terms of warmth, corduroy and velvet fall between teddy and cotton. Frankly, you mainly choose them for their appearance. Velvet is a dense, slightly glossy fabric that catches the light and makes a room look richer. Corduroy has that recognizable ribbed texture.
Both are excellent fabrics, but if warmth or breathability is crucial for you, let that be your guide and choose the colour afterward.
Reversible: if you don't want to choose
A reversible baby nest has teddy on one side and cotton on the other. You flip it over as the season changes.
For many parents, this is the most practical choice, especially if you only want to buy one nest. You have the warm side for winter and the breathable side for summer, all in the same product.
A note on size
Most baby nests are 50 by 90 cm on the outside, with an inner size of approximately 30 by 70 cm. This is the standard on which almost all models are built.
There are more compact versions, such as our TEDDY BOUNCE model, which is 80 by 46 cm. Handy if you take the nest with you often or if the bassinet is small.
Almost all models are adjustable with drawstrings, allowing the nest to grow with your baby for a while.
Washing: one rule to remember
Delicate wash at 30 degrees, and never tumble dry. This applies to teddy, velvet, corduroy, and muslin without exception. The heat from a tumble dryer crushes the fibres, and these very fibres are what make the fabric soft. Air drying takes an extra day but adds years to its lifespan.
And most importantly
Use a baby nest in the cot, in the playpen, on the floor or next to you on the sofa — always with a parent supervising. Stop as soon as your baby can roll over by themselves.
If you are unsure what suits your situation, feel free to ask your healthcare provider.
In summary
- Winter baby — teddy, or reversible teddy with cotton
- Summer baby — muslin or cotton
- If you only want one nest — reversible
- Appearance is paramount — velvet or corduroy
All models are listed side-by-side under Baby Nests. For each model, you'll find the dimensions, fabric, and care instructions, so you can compare without guessing.
What teddy bouclé is exactly and what it's made of, you can read in What is teddy bouclé, and why does it feel that way?