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COT BED SAFETY GUIDELINES | LEARN WITH BABYMORE!

cot-bed-safety-guidelines

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.

PLACEMENT OF COT

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:

  • Make sure it is in the same room as you.
  • Keep the cot away from obvious dangers. 
  • Power cables are a strangulation hazard, so should be kept out of their reach.
  • Keep the cot away from heat sources. Make sure your child isn’t next to a radiator or in direct sunlight.
  • The strings and cords are another potential strangulation hazard. These can also give your baby something to hold on to and potentially help them climb out of the cot.
  • Check that there is nothing your baby could use as a foothold to climb out with.  

COT MATTRESS

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.

SHEETS AND BLANKETS

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

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 DUVETS

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.

CHOKING HAZARDS

  • Remove any toys, clothes, stickers from the cot before putting your little one to sleep as they could be choking hazards.
  • Check there is nothing sticking out of the top rail that may catch on your baby’s clothes once your baby can roll and move in their cot. Your baby can also climb onto them.

COT BASE

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.

Cot Bed Safety Standards

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:

  • The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50 cm.
  • The distance between each bar shouldn’t be less than 2.5cm or more than 6.5cm, so that your baby’s head can’t get trapped.

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.

How Can You Protect Your Baby Against SIDS?

  • Put your baby to sleep on their back for all sleeps
  • Your baby should sleep in the same room as you, day and night, for the first six months.
  • Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby, as a tired parent can smother the baby.

What Is the Recommended Position For My Baby to Sleep In?

Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot to stop them wriggling down under the covers .

Do I Need a Cot With Teething Rails?

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.

What Are the Things I Should Put in My Baby’s cot?

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.

Are Drop Sided Cot Beds Safe For My Baby?

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.

Can I Use a Second Hand Cot Mattress?

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:

  • It has not got any cracks or tears
  • It is firm, with no sagging
  • It fits the cot snugly with no gaps
  • It is clean and dry.
  • Try using a waterproof and fireproof mattress cover.
  • Use a clean and dry cot bedding.

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.

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