Easiest Way To Make A Bassinet Skirt

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
23 min read

You can save a lot of money by making your own bassinet skirt instead of buying one. Sewing a bassinet skirt can be difficult, but if you know your way around a measuring tape and a sewing pattern, you already have everything you need to get started. You can make a bassinet skirt as simple or as elaborate as your sewing skills and personal preferences allow when you sew it yourself. The easiest method for creating a gathered bassinet skirt is covered in this article.

Things You’ll Need

  • The Measuring Bassinet
  • Writing implements
  • Measurement tape
  • Archival newspaper
  • Machine for sewing
  • Fabric
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Equipment for ironing

Easiest Way To Make A Bassinet Skirt

Step 1

Take the bassinet’s mattress out of it. Find the circumference and length of the bassinet’s interior to construct the skirt’s base and sides. Get the dimensions of the floor of the bassinet. You’ll be working with a rectangle for dimensions, but most bassinets feature rounded corners. The radius of the bassinet’s corners can be determined by placing a flat piece of paper over the curved parts and tracing the angle with a pencil. Stop tracing when the incline becomes a straight line. Use the pencil lines as a guide to cut out the paper. Keep this as a template for when you need to sew the bottom lining’s corners.

Tutorial: How to Make/Sew an Easy DIY Crib Skirt

Step 2

Develop a template. Spread a folded newspaper out on the desk. Make sure the longest part of your paper pattern is equal to the length of the bassinet. Tape more newspapers together to make a larger sheet of paper if necessary. Make the newspaper rectangle the correct size for the bassinet, adding half an inch to each side to account for the seams.

Step 3

The newspaper pattern’s upper and lower corners are where the curves should go. When cutting the angle, be sure to leave a 1/2 inch extra for the seam.

Step 4

Spread out your pattern and place it in the bassinet’s base to double-check your measurements.

Step 5

Take a reading from the top of the bassinet to the bottom of the inside walls. For the 1/2-inch top and bottom seam allowance, add 1 inch.

Step 6

Construct the skirt’s outer size. You’ll need to add a seam allowance and a hem allowance to your measurements. The length of your hem should be determined by the fabric you’re using and how deep you want it to be. Allow at least 1 1/2 inches for the hem when working with lightweight fabric. On the other hand, a 2-inch hem is recommended for heavier fabrics. Take note of how long the outer panels are.

Step 7

Take a measurement around the outside of the bassinet with your measuring tape and jot it down. Multiply the circumference by 2.5 for a moderate amount of fullness, or by 3 for extreme fullness, if you intend to gather the skirt.

Step 8

Determine how much fabric you’ll need to make the skirt and its lining. To calculate how much material is required for the top and bottom, add the length of the bassinet’s base. Find out how long the base is. To that, you must add the side length. More side panels might be required to get to the required total. If your side panel width is 108 inches but your fabric is only 45 inches wide, you will need to multiply the length of the side panels by three. Using the same method as for the side panels, determine how much fabric you will need for the skirt, multiplying by 2.5 or 3 depending on the fullness you desire. The number of individual panels for the skirt can be calculated by adding up the total and dividing by the width of the fabric. Add up how much material you’ll need and then purchase half a yard more.

Step 9

Use the newspaper template to remove the bottom. Make the necessary number of panel cuts for the bassinet’s interior. Construct a tube by sewing the panels together. Attach the bottom panel with pins to the side panel. Sew. If there is excess fabric at the bottom or the sides, you can either tuck it in or gather it.

Step 10

Make the skirt by cutting the lengths and sewing the sides together to make a tube. To gather the skirt, sew two rows of gathers. Gathering rows 1 and 2 should be placed 1/2 inch and 1/8 inch in from the edge, respectively. Tighten the gathering threads until the width of your skirt is virtually identical to that of the fabric on the outside and inside of the bassinet.

Step 11

Attach the skirt by pinning it to the top of the bassinet’s outer sides. Ensure uniform gathers and a snug fit inside the bed liner by adjusting the gathering threads as you go. Join the lining and the skirt with some stitches.

Step 12

Invert the work and place it right side up on the mattress in the bassinet. If it’s the right size, head back to the sewing machine to zigzag the seam inside out or add another row of stitches for extra reinforcement.

Step 13

Put the whole thing in the press. Press a 1/8-inch hem inward toward the skirt. Make the final hem and press it down, pinning at intervals, and sewing the hem in place using the measuring tape or a hem guide cut from a piece of paper. Finalize the work, remove any remaining pins, and store it in the bassinet.

Tip

Baby bassinet skirts can be made from a variety of lovely fabrics. Pick a removable and machine-washable one so you can always have a clean bassinet skirt.

Warning

Verify that every pin has been removed. You should probably wash the material first. A baby’s skin may react negatively to the sizing in some fabrics.

The Advantages of Bassinets for Baby Sleep

Space Saver Bassinet

Because of its portability and small size, the bassinet is an excellent option for the first bed a baby will have. It can be set up close to the parents’ bed so the infant can be watched over and soothed if necessary. Some bassinets have vibration units that can be attached to them to help put the baby to sleep.

Bassinets save Lives

Premature infants should sleep in a bassinet. Bassinets are the best option for infants because they are portable and easy to transport. The baby can be easily checked on and comforted if they are placed close to the parents’ bed. Bassinets are also safer for babies from sudden infant death syndrome. A child under the age of one who dies under mysterious circumstances is said to have died of SIDS. Among infants aged 1-12 months, it is by far the most common cause of death. Many infants have slept soundly in a bassinet. We think it’s only fair that all newborns go home in one.

Bassinets as the best baby crib for parents and child

In order to keep an eye on their child without getting out of bed, many new parents put a baby monitor right next to their bed. Some may see this as a preventative measure, but others may see it as a way for parents to reassure their children that they are okay. There are numerous advantages to placing a baby monitor close to the parents’ bed.

Having a baby monitor close to the parents’ bed is helpful because it allows them to see and hear their child if they wake up crying in the middle of the night. Parents who are having trouble sleeping because of a new baby may find this particularly useful. In addition, many modern baby monitors feature cameras that let parents keep an eye on their sleeping children, giving them peace of mind amid worries about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other health issues.

Having a baby monitor in the bedroom can ease the minds of both parents and children. A child who wakes up in the middle of the night and starts crying may benefit from being able to see and hear their parent right away.

Sleep Vibes with bassinets 

Although bassinets come in a wide range of styles and sizes, they all share the ability to accommodate a vibration unit. If your newborn is having trouble adjusting to life outside the womb, this vibration unit may help them fall asleep.

Several distinct vibration units are available for use with bassinets. Motors in some models generate a subtle shaking action, while in others, balls move gently back and forth in an oscillating motion. Regardless of the specific model, most vibration units come with multiple speed and intensity settings so that parents can find the optimal combination for their child.

Using a vibration unit is one method that many parents have found to be effective in getting their baby to sleep and keeping them asleep. Babies who have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or who are just generally irritable at night, may benefit greatly from this. If your baby has colic or gas pains, a vibration unit can help to calm and soothe him or her.

In general, a bassinet with a vibration unit is a wonderful tool for ensuring your newborn gets the sleep he or she needs in the first few months of life. It’s crucial to invest in your baby’s nighttime comfort.

Sleep Safety and Health Concerns

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers some recommendations for preventing suffocation and strangulation while your baby sleeps:

  • Never use pillows or blankets to lull a baby to sleep
  • Mattress-to-bed frame separation should never exceed two fingers.
  • Cribs should not be used if they are damaged, altered, or older than 10 years.
  • Make sure each crib is built correctly by following the included instructions.
  • Do not put a crib in a room with blinds, curtains, or electrical cords.

Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs. You don’t have to worry about flipping them back over if they start rolling over on their own between the ages of 4 and 6 months.

Baby’s skin care is secondary to your primary concern for his or her safety. Your baby will have a more restful night’s sleep on hypoallergenic fabrics, which also reduces the likelihood of skin irritations like eczema and rashes.

Getting the Right Fit

Getting a sheet that fits your crib correctly is more important than having a soft, well-designed sheet. The danger of suffocation caused by the sheet bunching up or sliding off the mattress is diminished when the sheet is a good fit for the mattress. Sheets should be deep enough to cover the mattress’s four corners without sliding, but not so loose that they bunch up on the mattress. Quality sheets should fit without any issues, but if they don’t, you can always send them back.

Mini crib sheets and standard crib sheets are available, so make sure you get the right size for your mattress. The dimensions of a standard crib sheet are not the same as those of a bassinet or pack ‘n play sheet.

Keep Extra Accessories Out of the Way

Bumper pads, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, toys, and extra crib bedding should all be avoided. The only thing that should be in a baby’s bedroom is a snugly fitted sheet to protect them from sudden infant death syndrome and suffocation. Swaddle your infant or dress him in a sleep sack to keep him toasty.

The Best Fabrics and Materials for Sensitive Baby Skin

Although infant skin is extremely sensitive, some infants may be predisposed to skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and dryness. To be safe, opt for fabrics that are gentler on sensitive skin, especially for infants. Choose a natural fiber like bamboo or cotton that allows air to circulate and feels nice against the skin. Wool, though natural, is an uncomfortable choice due to its rough texture, as are synthetic, chemically produced fabrics like nylon, rayon, and spandex.

Bamboo is among the best fabrics you can find if you have skin that is easily irritated. You can also choose from cotton, flannel, or polyester. The benefits and drawbacks of using these materials for bedsheets are outlined below.

Bamboo

Because bamboo is so wonderful, we make our own organic bamboo muslin sheets cribs plus bassinets. Our son’s eczema improved dramatically after we started using them, and our customers have had the same experience. Parents have told us that our solid print bamboo muslin sheets are the only ones their child can sleep on, and this is one of the main reasons we felt compelled to start this business in the first place.

Pros:

  • They’re as smooth as butter (and get smoother with each wash)!
  • Has improved the sleep of many hypersensitive infants.
  • The roundness of bamboo fibers means they are less likely to irritate than organic cotton.
  • Superior in breathability, moisture wicking, and temperature control.
  • Perfect for the warmer months
  • Green stuff, man.
  • Inhibition of microbial growth

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • There are businesses that don’t stick to organic or bamboo products exclusively.

Best Fabric for Crib Sheet | Bamboo Muslin Fabric

To put it simply, bamboo is fabric with air holes suitable for a baby’s delicate skin

Cotton

Muslin, which is made from cotton but with a looser, more open weave, is another well-liked breathable textile made from natural materials. Picking up a roll of organic cotton baby blanket is yet another excellent choice.

Pros:

  • Breathable
  • Reduced upkeep requirements
  • Comfortable year-round wear that regulates temperature
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Typically low-priced
  • Bed linens made of muslin are a more comfortable cotton choice

Cons:

  • Sheets made of cotton can feel scratchy at first, depending on the thread count.
  • Easily creased

Flannel

Flannel is the coziest fabric there is, especially if you have to endure cold winters.

Pros:

  • Excellent for the cold season
  • Warm and fuzzy
  • Sturdy and substantial

Cons:

  • No way that’s a baby blanket
  • Not recommended for use in warmer weather.
  • The infant risks overheating and sweating.

Flannel Blanket

Flannel blanket possible causes of baby feeling hot and sweaty

Polyester

While polyester is inexpensive, it can irritate sensitive skin, making it a poor choice for infant clothing.

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Simple to locate
  • Durable and pliable, it can be bent without breaking.

Cons:

  • Synthetic fabrics are not very breathable.
  • Not a good choice in the summer
  • simple pills
  • Tougher stuff

Breathability in Baby Crib Sheets

Babies have a hard time keeping their body temperature steady, so they sweat profusely. They can stay cool, comfortable, and asleep on a sheet that lets air circulate through it. It’s comforting to know your baby can breathe even if they roll over onto their stomach or side. Because of its inherent ability to wick away moisture and maintain a comfortable temperature, bamboo is a great fabric for infants in both hot and cold climates.

Antimicrobial Properties of Bamboo

Bamboo has antibacterial properties that are reduced but not destroyed during the manufacturing process; this has been the subject of multiple scientific studies with conflicting findings. Due to its antibacterial properties, bamboo fabric is not prone to the same level of bacterial growth as other fabrics. Baby bedding cleaner and fresher smelling ones.

Best Crib Sheet | Bamboo Muslin Fabric

Bamboo fabric’s Regardless of the season or climate, it is perfect for infants thanks to its natural temperature-regulating abilities.

Other Important Factors to Consider

There is an infinite variety of Baby blankets available, including pre-shrunk fabrics and fitted sheets with zippers. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities; however, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Machine-Washable

Nobody has time to handwash their dishes, regardless of whether they have one child or four baby blanket fabrics, or check the label for washing instructions. As tired parents constantly on the go, we require easy-care items that can be washed and dried after each use. The detergent you select should be mild, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free.

Buying Multiple Sheets

Expect to do laundry frequently with a newborn because of dirty diapers, spit up, and sweaty baby heads. Having said that, you should have at least two or three sheets. You can wash and dry one set while using another set for a different nap time.

Neutral Designs

Who doesn’t adore a nursery decorated in soothing, sleep-inducing neutrals? Better yet, the sheets are gender neutral, so you can use them with your next child. A neutral design allows you to recycle high-quality goods, whether you go with a cutesy pattern or a solid color.

A Waterproof Mattress Protector

Invest in a mattress protector to keep the crib mattress clean and odor-free and to extend its useful life. Most infants sleep in their parents’ beds for at least two to three years, making it worthwhile to invest in a mattress protector. In addition to protecting your baby from mold, dust, and mildew, many of these materials are hypoallergenic. It should be durable, easily cleaned, and snugly fitting. Soft, crinkly, or chemically treated mattress protectors should be avoided.

Replace as Needed

If you are unsure of whether or not something is safe to keep, dispose of it. Sheets that are too stretched out, have holes, or are covered in frays and pilling pose a choking hazard to infants.

FAQs about Crib Sheets

What are the best care tips for sheets?

Clean it before each use, and do a weekly wash. It’s recommended that you use a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent. After all, you didn’t go to the trouble of selecting the softest sheets for sensitive skin only to ruin them by washing them in a detergent so strong that it wafts through the house. Check the care instructions first, but generally speaking, using warm or hot water helps kill germs and remove stains.

How often should I change baby’s sheets?

Messy babies. Changing the sheets daily can seem like a necessity when dealing with wet and dirty diapers, spit-up, sweat, and drool. Expect to change the sheets once a week, and more often if you get a baby who won’t sleep anywhere else. If your baby is congested or coughing, you should change their diaper every day or every other day.

Is it better to buy new or used sheets?

Having multiple children can make it tempting to buy or accept used sheets, but before you do, make sure to check them thoroughly for signs of pilling and fraying. Use the mattress to see if the used sheets have shrunk or been stretched.

For the first six months, sleep in the same room as your baby, but not in the same bed.

When should I move my baby out of a bassinet?

The American Pediatrics Association (AAP For the first six months of a baby’s life, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that the baby sleep in the same room as the parents (but not in the same bed). However, as your baby grows, you may find that they no longer fit in the bassinet or that sleeping in a shared room is causing sleep disruptions. Be mindful of the bassinet’s weight limit and keep an eye out for signs of suffocation or frequent waking. If your bassinet is too shallow, it may no longer be the safest place for your child once he or she can sit up on their own or roll over.

Conclusion

A bassinet is an excellent choice for your infant’s sleeping arrangement. They’re less expensive than buying a crib but still give your baby a safe and cozy place to sleep.

If you’re in the market for a bassinet, pick one that will last. You’ll want it to last through the baby’s toddler years as well. You should also check out customer reviews before making a purchase, as some bassinets may not be as safe or well-made as others.

The health and happiness of your baby is paramount. It can be difficult to decide which of the many available infant sleep solutions is best. It’s natural to wonder what sets a co-sleeper apart from a bassinet. You can use either of these alternatives without relegating your child to a bedroom down the hall. So. Read our piece on picking the right co-sleeper for your baby. After thinking about this article’s arguments, you make a choice. This link will take you there.

In sum, any new parent would be wise to purchase a bassinet or Co-Sleeper for their infant. They have everything a parent could want for their kid, including being inexpensive, secure, and cozy.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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