Essential items for the baby cot: What you really need – and what you don’t
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Before your first child, this list will eventually come up: What actually needs to go into the cot before it is used? The answer varies depending on how big the cot is, what season it is, and how often you want to wash things. What can be said generally: There are fewer items than you might think – but you need more than one of the right ones.
The decision dimensions: What matters for the initial cot setup
The cot size determines almost everything. Children's and baby cots in Germany have two common mattress sizes: 60 × 120 cm and 70 × 140 cm. The fitted sheet is based on this. Bedding follows its own standard: the children's size is 100 × 135 cm for the duvet cover plus 40 × 60 cm for the pillowcase. Measure the mattress, not the cot frame – the dimensions of travel cots and bedside cots often vary.
The season determines the material. For autumn and winter, brushed fine flannel cotton or melange flannel is the obvious choice: The surface feels warm immediately, instead of first drawing warmth from the child. For spring and summer, smooth linen or percale is right – light, airy, quick-drying.
The washing rhythm determines the quantity. In the first year of life, things are changed much more frequently than you might think. If you only have one set, you will be washing under time pressure. Two to three fitted sheets and two sets of bedding are the realistic minimum requirement.
Mattress protection is not an extra. A children's mattress without protection will be stained after a few months. A waterproof pad under the fitted sheet costs a fraction of the mattress and significantly extends its life.
The four components compared
| Component | Property | Ideal for | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine jersey fitted sheet | Soft, stretchy, with elastic all around; adapts to the mattress and remains dimensionally stable | All year round – the standard for the children's cot | from €15.95 |
| Brushed cotton fitted sheet | Brushed cotton, feels warm from the first second | Cold months, unheated or cool children's room | depending on size, e.g. €15.95–29.95 |
| Children's bedding in fine flannel cotton / melange flannel | Soft, fluffy, warming; 100 × 135 cm with 40 × 60 cm pillowcase | Autumn and winter | depending on size €34.95–49.95 |
| Mattress protector (molton, waterproof) | Breathable, rustle-free, keeps moisture away from the mattress | From the beginning – regardless of season and age | depending on size, e.g. €15.95–22.95 |
All children's qualities from biberna are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 tested and, depending on the quality, washable at 40 to 60 °C – the exact temperature is on the care label.
Which setup is right for your situation?
You are furnishing a baby cot for the first time and starting in autumn or winter.
Take the brushed cotton fitted sheet, item number 0002744. Brushed cotton takes away the cold initial touch of the sheet, which makes all the difference at night when changing diapers: biberna brushed cotton fitted sheet (0002744).
You need a sheet that works all year round.
Then fine jersey is the right choice, item number 0077144. Stretchy, snug, securely fitting with elastic all around – and in several colors, so that the spare pieces can be distinguished: biberna fine jersey children's fitted sheet (0077144). At €15.95, it is worth taking two at once.
You are looking for the first bedding for the children's cot.
For the cold season, fine flannel cotton in children's size is the classic – for example the Stars motif, item number 0004645: biberna fine flannel cotton children's bedding Stars (0004645). It gets even softer with melange flannel, the further development of biberna cotton, for example as a Zoo Animals motif, item number 0840520: biberna melange flannel children's bedding Zoo Animals (0840520). You can find more motifs under Children's bedding.
You want to protect the new mattress.
The waterproof molton mattress pad with item number 0808315 lies under the fitted sheet, remains breathable and does not rustle: Sleep & Protect waterproof molton mattress pad (0808315). In the small children's sizes, you can find all variants under Mattress protector for children's cots.
What is often overlooked in the initial setup
One set is never enough. This is the most common mistake. Plan for two to three fitted sheets and at least two sets of bedding. One sheet is on the bed, one is in the wash, one is in the closet – only then does the nightly change remain relaxed.
Wash everything before the first use. Cotton becomes softer and more absorbent after the first wash. For textiles that lie directly on the child's skin, this is no cosmetic detail.
The pocket depth of the fitted sheet. Children's mattresses are flatter than adult mattresses. A sheet cut too high will wrinkle, one that is too short will pop off at the corners. The dimensions of the children's fitted sheets are matched to common children's mattresses – for unusual heights, it is worth looking at the product specifications.
Pillow and blanket are a separate decision. In the first year of life, pillows and loose blankets are usually avoided in the children's cot; a sleeping bag takes their place. The 40 × 60 cm pillowcase is therefore often not needed until later. In case of doubt, follow the recommendation of your pediatrician or midwife and the instructions of the bed manufacturer.
For the move into the children's cot, children's bedding is a suitable gift. The Gift finder for toddlers puts together bedding in 100 × 135 cm with a matching children's cot fitted sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is children's bedding?
The common children's size is 100 × 135 cm for the duvet cover, plus a 40 × 60 cm pillowcase. These dimensions fit the usual children's duvets and are our standard size for children's bedding.
What size do I need for the fitted sheet for the children's cot?
Common are 60 × 120 cm and 70 × 140 cm. Both cover the common children's and baby mattresses. Measure the mattress in case of doubt – travel and bedside cots sometimes differ.
How many fitted sheets do I really need?
Two is the minimum, three is comfortable. Especially in the first year, the unplanned nightly change occurs more frequently than the washing machine can keep up with.
At what temperature do I wash children's bedding?
Depending on the quality, at 40 to 60 °C. 60 °C is the hygienically safer choice, provided the care label allows it. With colorful printed motifs, 40 °C keeps the colors vibrant longer.
Is the children's bedding tested for harmful substances?
Yes, our children's qualities are certified according to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and made from tested cotton.
What does shipping cost?
Nothing. biberna always delivers free of charge within Germany, without a minimum order value – even for a single fitted sheet for €15.95.
Who puts together the initial setup for the children's cot according to this pattern – protection, two to three sheets, two sets –, gets through the first year with an manageable budget, without standing in front of an empty laundry pile at night. You can find all parts in the collections Fitted sheet for children's cots and Children's bedding.