Choosing a Baby Cot with Safety in Mind | Lifestyle

by LucyFitzgerald

Choosing the perfect cot will be one of the first things you do when planning your baby's nursery. Your baby will spend more time alone in her cot than anywhere else so it's important it's safe. This gives you the peace of mind you need to get your much needed rest.

It's hard to imagine it at first, but before long, your newborn will be an active little baby, crawling, and standing, as well as pulling herself up and trying to climb! Here are some tips to make sure she's safe in her cot:

1.Find out what the cot safety standard in your country is and make sure the cot your buy complies with this. All cots sold in the UK should conform to British Standard BSEN716.

2. Make sure the gaps between the bars on the cot are not too wide as babies may get their heads, arms or legs caught in the space between them. The gap between the bars should measure between 4.5cm and 6.5cm.

3. If the gap between the base of the cot and the top rail (with the mattress in there) isn't high enough, there's a risk of your baby managing to climb out of the cot and falling. The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 60cm.

4. It's important that air can circulate freely around your baby while she sleeps. For this reason, a cot with bars that go all the way around, rather than one with a header board, is recommended.

5. If you have a second hand cot that is painted, you may want to strip it and paint it again. It is possible that an older cot hasn't been painted with lead free paint, which could place your baby at risk of lead poisoning.

6. When you put your cot in the nursery, imagine your active little baby in there and think about what she might be able to reach. Curtains and blind cords are an obvious risk so make sure the cot is placed well out of reach of the window.

7. A gap of anything more than 2.5cm between the mattress and cot side places your baby at risk of falling into the gap and becoming trapped.

8. Horizontal bars inside the cot could act as a ladder to help your baby climb out so stick with vertical bars! Header boards with decorative cut outs can present the same risk and your baby may also get her legs or arms trapped in the gaps.

9. Keep an eye out for little details on the cot, such as protruding screws which your baby's clothes could catch on.

10. When choosing bedding for the cot, make sure the sheets fit snugly and can't be pulled loose. A baby sleeping bag is safer than blankets as it removes the risk of loose bedding covering your baby's face.

Use these 10 guidelines when selecting a cot for your baby's nursery and you will be able to rest knowing your baby is safe.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Want to find out more about choosing a baby cot to encourage great sleeping habits? Then visit www.Sleepytot.com to get your baby sleeping through the night today.