Baby's sleeping equipment
© Jupiter
The best choice for your newborn is a Moses basket or a carrycot/pram, both of which are easy to move from room to room. You'll need a cot when your baby outgrows whichever you've chosen.
Choose a cot with two mattress heights, so you don't have to bend too far in the early days, and with sides that drop down - it's much easier to get to the baby. Do make sure that the cot's side rails are set closely together, so your baby's head can't get stuck. The cot mattress should fit snugly, allowing no more than one finger to slide between the mattress and the cot side. Foam mattresses are best and some have air holes that allow your child to breathe if she turns on to her front while asleep. Fold-up, fabric-sided travel cots are useful for holidays and going out with the baby in the evening. Baby sleeping bags are useful for older babies. All equipment must comply with safety standards.
Avoid cot bumpers and fleeces as they increase the risk of overheating - babies who get too hot are at a greater risk of cot death. Don't put cot bumpers in cots, or use a duvet for babies under one year.
As soon as your baby shows signs of being able to clamber out of her cot you'll need to buy a bed - some cots are designed to convert into beds.
Sleep equipment and accessories
New baby
- Moses basket or carrycot
- Waterproof sheet to protect mattress (tie-on sheets are good)
- Cotton sheets
- Cotton cellular blankets
- Fleecy blanket
- Baby monitor
Older baby
- Full-size cot with foam mattress
- Cot duvet (not for babies under 12 months)
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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