Your little one spends a lot of time in their cots so it is necessary to keep cot safety in mind. In this blog, we are going to walk you through some useful cot bed safety guidelines so you can help your baby to have a safe and sound sleeping environment. Babymore has got a wide range of cots and cot beds meeting all the safety standards.
The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is on their back in a cot. Whether you want to learn about the safe use of a cot bed or want to know where to place your cot, Babymore is your saviour. Now the next thing that comes to mind is where to place your cot? Here are some suggestions:
You should choose a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving spaces round the edges so your baby cannot trap their head and suffocate. If you wish to learn more on our Cot Mattress Guide, we have a relevant blog for you.
Use a fitted sheet and a light blanket to avoid risk of suffocation. Make sure the blanket is tucked in below your baby’s shoulder level and they should have their feet at the bottom of the cot. All these precautions are necessary to avoid risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
Cot bumpers are not recommended as babies can overheat or get tangled in the fastenings. Cot bumper ties pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Pillows and duvet are not recommended to be used for a baby less than 1 year. As they increase the risk of suffocation and overheating of your baby.
Use the base in the correct position. Many cots and cot beds have adjustable bases that you can move lower as your baby grows – this means they can’t roll or climb out of the cot. Check the base regularly to avoid any injuries when your baby inevitably tries to climb over the top. The highest base position is only suitable for use until your baby is about three months old.
When shopping for a cot bed, you need to make sure it confirms to British Safety Standards BS EN 716 as a cot, and BS 8509 as a bed. These markings show that the product has passed a series of important British Safety Standards guidelines.
According to British Safety Standards:
As your child gets older, keep an eye out to check that the bars remain smooth and securely fixed.
Now let’s answer some common questions about cot beds safety.
Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot to stop them wriggling down under the covers .
Your baby can start cutting teeth from around five or six months and it will continue until they are around two or three years old. To soothe their gums they gnaw or chew everything around them including their cot bed.
When a baby is teething the saliva softens the material, which increases the chances of them swallowing pieces of the wood.
Some cot beds come with teething rails, a protective piece of silicone or fabric that runs along the top edge of the cot’s sides. They are considered more safe for your baby.
Remember less is more for sleeping babies. All they need is a flat surface mattress and simple bedding. Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot, such as cot bumpers and toys, can also increase the risk of accidents.
Drop-sided cots in the UK now require a lock on drop sides when the cot is in the lowered position. Make sure you look out for the BS EN 716: 2005 marking if you’re buying a drop-sided cot bed. Never leave your child unattended in the cot when the drop side is down.
It is not recommended to buy a second-hand cot mattress for your baby. Where possible, always buy a new one. But if you must buy a second hand cot mattress, keep these important points in your mind:
Hope these cot bed safety guidelines were helpful for you!
Babymore has a diverse collection of cots and cot beds that are not only high in quality but are sturdy, long lasting, stylish and comfortable for your little one to sleep in. At Babymore, we make sure that we meet the safety standards corresponding to our products. If you wish to know more about our cot safety standards and regulations, you can read the blog here. Learn more by visiting us online.