Our "Lifetime" Crib Sheets are knit, dyed and hand sewn in Canada. 

They are made from premium 100% cotton jersey fabrics, free of harmful toxins and irritants and so super soft. Imagine wrapping your baby head-to-toe in your favourite, super soft T-shirt. That's what these 100% cotton jersey sheets feel like. Pure heaven!! 

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Images by Ashley Bradley from Yellow Brick Road

We were excited to share one of our two new black-and-white nursery collections, Midnight and Groovy Giraffe, with Iva and her husband. Simple, modern, and minimalistic, the “monochromatic mod” theme is a timeless collection with a gender-neutral feel. The black and white contrasts are also perfect for their baby’s development. Best of all, the theme gives Iva and her husband the power to mix and match colors and patterns as their son grows.

To stay in line with the modern theme, the couple chose complementing furniture – Babyletto’s Harlow 3-in-1 Crib, the Hudson Changer Dresser, and Monte’s Joya Rocker. Together, the three pieces create a calming, sophisticated, and modern oasis for parents and baby.

Individually, the crib stands out as the centerpiece of the room. The acrylic rails combine functionality and fashion by letting the linens show through while giving mom and dad the ability to see baby resting or sleeping inside. The Hudson Changer Dresser combo ensures there is plenty of space for baby’s essentials now, and as he grows. The Monte Joya Rocker will make for tons of wonderful memories in the form of feedings, lullabies, and reading to baby.

Further adding to the functionality to the room are the Midnight Soft Nursery Hamper, which will keep baby’s clothing separate for special washing, the lumbar pillow for mom, and the Groovy Giraffe Soft Nursery Basket for storage. The playmat will also come in handy as baby grows and starts to go on playdates, days at the park, and starts enjoying tummy time at home. It’ll also transition with their son as he moves on to a toddler bed.

As if the room wasn’t perfect enough already, the crisp white walls and single black accent wall further pull the nursery together. Simple, modern, but whimsical nursery art adorn the walls and shelving of the room. It truly is a haven for the entire family.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Images by Ashley Bradley from Yellow Brick Road

Why Babies Prefer Black-and-White

High contrasting colors - or those that are on opposite ends of the color spectrum - have been found to offer numerous benefits for baby’s development. In fact, researchers have consistently found that newborns actually prefer looking at black-and-white geometric shapes over bright colors, pastels, and non-geometric shapes (i.e. animal shapes). Why is this exactly?

The rods and cones in a newborns eyes have not yet fully developed. This means they are not able to detect the intensity of pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and other colors the same way that adults do. On the other hand, simple black-and-white shapes have a high contrast, which they are easily able to decipher, despite their immature retina structures.

Experts also believe that newborns prefer the simple, black-and-white shapes because their brains can become overstimulated. High contrast colors are relaxing and give their brains an opportunity to rest and focus intensely on their surroundings. Further, they tend to focus on the borders, where the two colors meet. This suggests it is more than just the colors they enjoy; instead, it is the contrast that truly fascinates them.

Examining the Benefits

As your baby grows, they will start to focus on new, more exciting things, but when they are first born, it is simple and contrasting colors that aid their brain development most. Being surrounded by these colors and shapes encompasses them in a sort of safe, soothing, stress-free environment, but keeps their brains alert. In fact, they are still learning and developing, even when they seem to be resting with their eyes open. They are learning to concentrate and their brains and optic nerves are being stimulated.

The Bottom Line

Rather than go for the jungle theme, character theme, or gender specific colors, you could choose black and white for your baby’s nursery. This gives you the base to be able to go either way if baby #2 is the opposite sex. You can also choose accessories, toys and books, with high contrast black-and-white stripes, circles, or geometric shapes. Your baby’s eyes and brain will one day thank you.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Image: thecorner / 123RF Stock Photo

Inquisitive, excited babes can get themselves into more trouble than they know, so it’s important to be one step ahead of them.

Here are five ways to create a safe nursery for your baby:

Blind Cords

Curious little ones can, get tied up in blind cords while attempting to look out the window or open the blind themselves.Having a blind without cords eliminates any chance they could get tangled in them while trying to look out the window.

Monitor Wires

As monitors evolve with more functionality, they also come with longer cords for more portability and options for placement in your nursery. If you are looking to mount your camera close to your crib, make sure the wires are secured to the wall so that little hands can’t get caught in them.

Attach your furniture to the wall

Kids love to climb and nothing looks more appealing than a dresser with the drawers pulled out.The problem is that if it’s not secured to the wall, a dresser can fall onto an adventurous toddler while they’re scaling it - possibly pinning them underneath.Most dressers now come with wall tethers and this should be one of the first things you do after assembling your furniture.

Toy Storage

Buying baskets and toy storage boxes without lids will ensure your little one won’t get trapped inside a traditional toy box or have the lid fall on them while looking for a toy.

If you prefer to have a box that closes shut, choose one with a lightweight removable lid or sliding doors or panels and holes for ventilation in case your child becomes stuck inside.

Electrical Outlet Protectors

When little people first become mobile they will grab at anything that is on their level.Unfortunately, electrical outlets are the perfect height for a sitting baby and they will try to stuff toys in them or their tiny fingers.There are a large number of ways to plug these electrical outlets so they can still be used, but aren’t a source of harm to your baby.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Image: luminastock / 123RF Stock Photo

Over the years, with increased research and a higher demand from parents, more companies are creating safer products for babies.

We have created a list of natural mattresses that are not only safe for your baby’s first slumber, but also will keep them cozy when it’s naptime.

Naturepedic’s organic baby crib mattress features organic cotton fabric and filling as part of a healthier, non-toxic design. They avoid the use of latex in their organic crib mattresses for a more allergen-friendly design specifically for babies and children. In addition to ensuring their waterproof mattresses, pads, and accessories are made without harmful products, their mattresses also pass all flammability standards without the use of any fire retardant chemicals or flame retardant barriers. The entire crib mattress is also certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Simmons' Naturally Safer Organic Rest Crib Mattress is created with organic cotton and is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides for a healthier sleep environment. The core is 99.9% VOC free and combined with the organic cotton cover, provides your baby with the healthiest of sleep environments. The cover is water and stain resistant, PVC vinyl and phthalate free, and does not off-gas. It’s lightweight for easier sheet changing and great to be used later in your toddler’s bed.

The Kidicomfort Delicate Touch mattress is a certified nontoxic foam core mattress with 100% organic cotton fibers. This mattress also features a dual-sided design which ensures a firm, comfortable sleep for babies.Their 2 stages program makes one side of the mattress firmer for the posture of infants, and the other softer side creates added comfort for toddlers.

Safety 1st’s Peaceful Lullabies Mattress has a high density thermo-bonded fiber core that will provide your baby with the firm support it needs for a peaceful sleep. Designed with a rayon made from bamboo fibers, the cover is water resistant for easy cleaning. Made using natural cotton, polyester and wool fiber filling, the mattress is lightweight and durable for long lasting use. The Safety 1st Peaceful Lullabies Mattress is free of phthalates and lead for a safe sleeping environment.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Image: gelpi / 123RF Stock Photo

Second hand

There are no rules that say your change table has to be exactly that. A change table. Check out Kijiji or yard sales for a dresser that catches your eye. With a good clean and a coat of paint, you just upcycled. You can also check out stores like Once Upon a Child in Ontario for gently used baby clothing and ask veteran moms for hand-me-downs in good condition.

Natural ingredients

If you’re going to splurge on any baby item, make it a crib mattress made of natural ingredients like wool or organic cotton. Your baby will be lying in this space for hours a day. Hopefully. While diapering is a personal choice, it might be worth it to investigate the kinds of diapers or wipes you plan to choose. Whether it’s cloth or disposable. In some parts of Canada, disposable diapers can go into the green bin. Get familiar with your local regulations.

Paint

Look for low, or no VOC paint. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and types of paint that contain this have been linked to respiratory illnesses. Benjamin Moore’s Aura series is a good option. And if you’re painting the nursery yourself, make sure you take lots of breaks and that the room is ventilated properly. Better yet, hire someone to do it and put your feet up.

Shop local

Chances are, the big box stores don’t really need your money, but the local artisan up the street will likely do a happy dance if you get your baby toys or clothes from her. Even better if it’s made in Canada! And this will reduce your carbon footprint. Etsy is also a great place to find décor items for your nursery and support independent businesses.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Image Copyright: famveldman / 123RF Stock Photo

If you’re newer to yoga while pregnant, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider before you begin a new exercise and to attend a gentle prenatal class for starters. And always listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, leave it out. There are plenty of beneficial yoga poses you can try at home, but we’ve narrowed it down to our three favourites.

Cat/cow stretch

This pose will help relieve lower back pain. Start on your hands and knees. Line your wrists up under your shoulders, parallel to the top of your mat and line your knees up under your hips. On a deep breath in, drop the belly towards the mat and open up the chest, looking up slightly. On a deep out, push the mat away from you, arch the spine and let the head and neck drop towards the chest. Repeat 10 times.

Bound angle pose

This is one of the best hip opening poses. Start seated on your mat. Press the soles of the feet together, wrap your hands around your feet, and let your knees fall open to the sides. It doesn’t matter how close your feet are to your body. If available, press the forearms into the thighs. On a deep breath in, sit up nice and tall without being erect. On a deep breath out, lead from the chest into a forward fold, over your feet. Hold for 10-20 rounds of breath then on a deep breath out, come back to seated and use your hands on your outer thighs to lift them back up.

Hindu squat

This pose will relax and open the pelvis, as well as strengthen the legs. Surprisingly, you need a lot of leg strength to give birth. Keep in mind that you might want to use yoga blocks for this pose. A couple of heavy books can also substitute for yoga blocks. Start by standing about hips width apart and turn your toes out slightly. Widen your stance if you’re in your third trimester or need extra room for your belly. On a deep breath out, start to lower your bum towards the floor, tailbone pointing down and the crown of the head reaching towards the ceiling. Use your elbows to push into your thighs. Ideally, feet should be flat on the floor. If this isn’t available, shimmy your yoga block (or books) under your bum for support. Hold for 10 rounds of breath.

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

Image Copyright: fizkes / 123RF Stock Photo

One recent study adds fuel to the argument by noting a women’s ability to plan routes was altered during pregnancy.

The study, which was led by Dr. Nina Lisofksy found the pregnant women who participated in the project were not as accurate as the control group when navigating a maze. A portion of this study required a brain scan, which revealed the putamen—the part of the brain involved in learning—was smaller in the pregnant women.

Pregnancy brain, also referred to as baby brain, is described as the increase in forgetfulness and clumsiness many women seem to experience while they are pregnant. While this specific study is new, there is precedence to hormone levels and pregnancy affecting brain function.

Last year, Dr. Linofsky was a part of a study in NeuroImage regarding the hippocampus—which is the center of memory, emotion, and the autonomic nervous system—and how it changes during the female menstrual cycle. This study reported that changes in the levels of two hormones—estrogen and progesterone—have a physical effect on the brain (note: this study used rats) and alter the size of the hippocampus, though most performance of cognitive tasks remained unchanged.

So what does this tell us?

During the first trimester extremely high levels of estrogen and progesterone buildup at a rapid pace. With any change in the body, whether it is hormonal or otherwise, the body and mind must compensate and change the way it functions. This raises the question of a link between the rapid increase and the body’s rush to compensate.

In 2014, Canadian researchers published a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that reported women in their second trimester faced a substantial risk of serious motor vehicle crashes, though this risk lessens during the third trimester. The study observed 507,262 women over three years, during which all the women were pregnant at least once. As a baseline, there were 6922 crashes total in the study group. Surprisingly, 757 of the crashes occurred while the women were in their second trimester. This translates to a 42 per cent increase in the number of crashes when women were in the second trimester of pregnancy.

So why is the risk highest during the second trimester? More research is required to figure out the effects of baby brain; specifically, the raised estrogen and progesterone levels and altered brain structure have on the driving of pregnant women. However, there is information indicating the key to pregnancy brain lies in the rapid increase in estrogen and progesterone and the body’s ability to compensate—specifically, it’s thought that nausea during the first trimester is the result of the rapid increase in estrogen, and that the body usually compensates as time passes, which is why nausea lessens. Perhaps then, the body is simply slower at compensating for these increasing hormone levels as they apply to a pregnant woman’s driving and route planning ability?

In any case, it’s important to stay safe on the roads, especially with the winter months coming soon! The best advice is to stay safe, especially when you don’t feel you’re in the right mind to be driving. It might be better to do your shopping from home, or focus on projects around the house.

Image Copyright: fbmadeira / 123RF Stock Photo

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

To start you on this path, consider the following list of eight superfoods for a healthy pregnancy. Remember though, it’s important to consume these foods in moderation.

Flax Seeds

Ground flax seeds contain omega-3, fiber, protein, manganese, iron, zinc, potassium, and more. They are also a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is essential during pregnancy. Make sure you use ground flax seeds rather than whole, as the shell prevents your body from absorbing most of the nutrients. You can use some flax seeds in baked goods, cereal, smoothies, or sprinkled over your morning yogurt

Avocados

Avocados contain monosaturated fats and plant-based saturated fats, as well as folate in its natural form. In fact, you can get a third of your daily recommended intake of folate from a single avocado. Since it is in its natural form, it is also easy for your body to absorb and use for energy and fetus development. Try eating avocado on toast instead of butter, or blend it into a morning smoothie to make it creamy.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a popular antioxidant and thus can help protect your body against damage from harmful oxygen radicals. In addition, blueberries are a good source of potassium and vitamin C, both of which help promote a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent way to get omega-3 fats and fiber. Some reports claim these can help ward of depression from your pregnancy, in addition to their other health benefits. For omega-3 fats, these benefits include healthy fetal neurodevelopment and maintaining a healthy birth weight. It is important to pay extra attention to omega-3 fats, since the main source of them—seafood—is limited during pregnancy. You can make a chi seed pudding, or sprinkle them on cereal, or into smoothies.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. While there is no nutritional difference between brown eggs and white, try looking for eggs specifically marked “omega-3 eggs,” as these chickens were given feed high in omega 3s like flax seeds. Try poaching or boiling your eggs to preserve as much of the nutritional value as possible.

Dark, Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale contain vitamins and minerals like iron, fiber, and vitamin C. They are packed with nutrients! Create salads, put them in pasta, or blend them in a smoothie! Make sure to include a variety of dark, leafy greens in your diet to stay healthy during your pregnancy.

Yogurt

Did you know plain yogurt has more calcium than milk? Yogurt also contains zinc, B vitamins, protein, probiotics, and carbohydrates. Maximize your protein intake and choose Greek yogurt, which has much more protein than normal yogurt. Probiotics in yogurt are also helpful as they help your body overcome unhealthy bacteria, reduces your risk of early labor, reduces prenatal infection, and eczema,.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, fiber, folate, potassium, as well as carotenoids, which your body will turn into vitamin A. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects, as well as birth defects in the spinal cord (e.g. spina bifida) and brain. Fiber helps your digestive system run smoothly, and reduces your risk of preeclampsia.

Consuming some of these foods, in moderation, could help maintain your and your baby’s health. Remember to pay attention to all the food you eat though, as an overall healthy diet is more important than the above superfoods. Be sure to speak to your doctor as well as a registered dietician to make sure you’re food helps maintain a healthy pregnancy!

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.

The joy of seeing your baby’s new smile for the first time will have you over the moon! But many parents would probably like to skip over the teething phase of their baby’s life. Not all baby will display the same symptoms of teething and some won’t show any! But the teething period typically begins at 3-6 months and lasts up to a year or more.

How can you make it better? Crib rail protectors from Sweet Kyla will help keep your baby’s mouth safe during this fragile period. They make a great addition to your baby’s nursery and can be matched with Sweet Kyla’s baby bedding products. Keep on reading to learn why rail protectors are the newest trend in nursery decor!

What is a crib rail protector?

Sweet Kyla’s crib rail protectors are cushiony fabric coverings for the top crib rails, designed to protect your baby from the crib — and protect the crib from your baby! Our rail protectors come in one long side or two small sides. The fabric is made from 100% cotton and ties onto the crib using small cloth ties. All our crib rail protectors are made locally in Canada! Remember to check the ties periodically to ensure they are fastened securely.

Why use a crib rail protector?

At Sweet Kyla, we include crib rail protectors as an optional part of many of our baby bedding sets because we believe there are 4 great reasons to use one! Here they are...

1. Mouth Safety

Mouth safety is very important for teething babies. Many babies will chew on the railings of their crib, as the wooden bar presents an easy target for their exploring mouths! Crib rail protectors can cushion your baby’s mouth from bumps and knocks, as they will be prone to slips and falls. Keep that tiny mouth safe from harm!

2. Don’t Eat Paint!

These days most children’s furniture is designed with lead-free paint—but make sure you check! Even if the paint is non-toxic, you still probably don’t your baby to be ingesting wood chips. Rail protectors will prevent babies from peeling paint and wood off the crib rails with their brand new teeth!

3. Protect the Crib

Just as much as you want to protect your baby, you also want to protect your crib! Babies are likely to leave some teeth marks on their cribs, no matter how hard you try. Rail protectors will guard the most visible parts of the furniture against damage and can be easily washed when they get dirty. Remember that you may want to reuse this crib for a new brother or sister down the road! Keep it looking sharp :)

4. They Look Great!

The best part about rail protectors is that they look great on the crib! These fabric guards can really accent a new crib or cover up teeth marks on an old one. Match your rail protectors with the rest of your baby bedding set or mix it up if that’s your style!

Sweet Kyla’s Canadian Made rail protectors are available in a huge range of colours and patterns, including chevron, moxy, grey deer and more. Browse our full collection of crib rail protectors and order online!

Sweet Kyla is a premium designer and creator of baby bedding, based in the charming town of Guelph, Ontario. Over almost 40 years, our brand has grown from a small idea to a vibrant business. Today, Sweet Kyla offers the best locally-made baby bedding in Canada.