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A nursery is a haven for your precious newborn, a place where they can sleep soundly and explore their world in comfort. But as your baby grows and becomes more mobile, that same space can transform into a land of exciting yet unforeseen dangers. To ensure their safety and peace of mind (and yours!) cot safety becomes paramount. One crucial aspect of baby safety is baby-proofing their cot. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to baby-proof a cot for added safety, providing you with peace of mind. You might want to have a look at the diverse range of cots and cot beds offered by Babymore.

The Cot Itself: Choosing Wisely for Safety

The foundation of cot safety lies in the cot itself. At Babymore, we ensure that we provide a proper guide on how to safely use a cot bed for your knowledge. Read about it and learn below what to consider when choosing or inspecting your cot:

Look for a cot that adheres to the latest safety standards. Reputable manufacturers prioritise safety and will clearly display relevant certifications.

The cot should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts or wobbly joints. Solid wood is a popular and safe choice.

The slats on the cot sides should be no more than 60mm apart to prevent your baby from getting stuck or falling through.

A firm, well-fitting mattress is crucial. There should be no gaps between the mattress and the cot frame, which could pose an entrapment hazard.

Safe Sleep Practices

Implement safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). NHS UK recommends placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress, and avoiding loose bedding, pillows, or toys in the cot. Babymore has several Cot Bed Safety guidelines in place for you to get help from. Our blog not only highlights the guidelines, but also talks about how you can ensure cot safety at all times.

Minimising Hazards Within the Cot

Once you have a safe cot, it’s time to focus on creating a safe sleep environment within it.

Keep it simple! A fitted sheet that hugs the mattress is all your baby needs. Loose blankets, pillows, and bumpers are suffocation hazards and should be avoided.

Resist the urge to add stuffed animals or other soft objects to the cot. These can pose a risk of suffocation or entrapment, especially for younger babies.

Mobiles can be visually stimulating for your baby. However, ensure they are securely attached and out of reach. Once your baby can reach for the mobile, it’s time to remove it.

Surrounding Safety: The Area Around the Cot

While the cot itself is vital, safety extends beyond its boundaries:

Place the cot away from windows, heaters, lamps, and electrical cords. This minimises the risk of burns, falls, or entanglement.

Consider a baby monitor to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep. However, position the monitor at least 3 feet away from the cot to avoid any potential strangulation hazard from the cord.

Avoid placing furniture near the cot that your baby could use to climb out. This includes dressers, changing tables, and bookshelves.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Cot Safety

Here are some bonus tips to make your cot safety plan even stronger:

Regularly inspect the cot for any loose screws, damaged slats, or worn-out mattress components. Replace or repair any faulty parts immediately.

As your baby learns to stand, gradually lower the mattress base to prevent falls.

Creating a Culture of Safety

Remember, cot safety is just one aspect of creating a safe environment for your child. Here are some additional considerations:

Never leave your baby unattended in the cot, especially when they are young.

Let your baby explore their surroundings, but ensure there are no choking hazards or sharp edges within reach.

Educate caregivers and family members about cot safety practices.

By following these steps and creating a culture of safety in your home, you can ensure your little one’s cot remains a haven for peaceful sleep and joyful exploration.

Baby-Proofing Techniques

1. Secure the Mattress

Ensure the mattress is securely the exact size of the cot frame. Use fitted sheets designed specifically for cot mattresses to prevent them from coming loose during sleep.

2. Check for Loose Parts

Regularly inspect the cot for loose or broken parts, including screws, bolts, or slats. Tighten any loose components immediately to maintain the cot’s structural integrity.

3. Remove Hazardous Items

Keep the cot free from items that pose choking hazards, such as small toys, coins, or loose buttons. Also, avoid placing cords or strings near the cot to prevent strangulation risks.

4. Install Safety Rails

Once you convert your cot to cot bed, consider installing safety rails to prevent your baby from climbing out once they become more active. Ensure the rails are securely attached and at an appropriate height.

FAQs

What type of cot should I choose?

To ensure your baby’s safety in a Babymore cot or cot bed, make sure it conforms to British Safety Standards BS EN 716:2008. Following these guidelines will help reduce the risk of your baby getting trapped or climbing out:

– Ensure there is at least 50cm from the top of the mattress to the top of the cot sides.

– Cot bars should be vertical, with gaps between 2.5cm and 6.5cm to prevent your baby from trapping limbs or their head.

– For cots with a solid head and footboards, check that any cut-out shapes are small enough to prevent your baby’s limbs from getting caught.

If you wish to learn about how to clean a baby cot, click here.

Do I need two cots for my twins?

If space or budget is tight, it’s possible for twins to share a Babymore cot. Provided you follow safe sleep guidelines, you can choose to have them sleep in separate areas from birth or together. If you opt for co-sleeping, avoid small cots or Moses baskets to prevent overheating.

Babymore has a well-curated blog for you to read on choosing a cot for a shared bedroom.

Does it matter where I put the cot?

The safest place for your Babymore cot for the first six months is in the same room as you. Keep the cot away from radiators, windows, blind cords, curtain ties, and baby monitor cables, as babies can overheat and these objects could pose risks.

Do I need a new mattress for my baby?

It’s best to get a new mattress. This is partly due to a slight increased risk of SIDS associated with used mattresses. If reusing a mattress from within your family, check that it:

– Has no cracks or tears

– Is firm and free from sagging

– Fits the cot snugly, with no gaps

– Is clean and dry.

What mattress should I choose for my baby?

Select a Babymore mattress that meets safety standards (BS 1877-10:1997). Choose a firm mattress, either in standard or continental size, depending on your cot size. For ease, choose a mattress with a wipe-clean cover or a removable panel, and use a mattress protector to help keep it dry and clean.

Baby bedding: what should I use?

Keep bedding minimal for your baby. Use only a fitted sheet and a light blanket, tucking it below their shoulder level. Alternatively, a baby sleeping bag that fits snugly around the shoulders can help prevent wriggling under the covers.

What’s the best way to protect my baby against SIDS?

To reduce the risk of SIDS:

– Always place your baby on their back for sleep.

– Keep your baby’s cot in your room for the first six months.

– Avoid smoking around your baby and during pregnancy.

– Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

– Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner is tired, has consumed alcohol, is a smoker, or has taken medication that induces sleep.

– Keep the cot clear of toys and loose bedding.

– Maintain a room temperature between 16°C and 20°C with minimal layers. Avoid hot water bottles or similar products.

What position should my baby sleep in?

Place your baby on their back, with their feet at the foot of the Babymore cot to prevent them from sliding down under the covers.

Can my baby sleep with a pillow or duvet?

No, babies under one year should not have pillows or duvets due to the risk of suffocation.

Conclusion

Cot safety is essential in ensuring your baby’s well-being. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can create a secure sleeping environment that promotes restful sleep and minimises potential risks. Remember, cot safety is not just about physical barriers but also about implementing safe sleep practices and staying vigilant. Babymore’s range of cots and cotbeds are not only made with a sturdy material, are durable and have safety rails but are also made with proper measurements of the mattress fit to ensure the baby sleeps safely through the night. Shop with Babymore today and rest assured we shall have your baby all safe in our cot! Buy our space saver cot to not only have a safe cot for your baby but as the name suggests, save yourself all that extra space that huge traditional cots take up.

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