Top tips for preparing your baby's sleep space
Preparing for your baby can be so much fun. From researching prams (this, more than anything, becomes an obsession... believe me - you'll be able to spot the make and model of a buggy from miles away simply by the size of the basket or the curve of the handlebar!) to planning your baby's nursery, there are endless products out there and you could go wild. However, when it comes to your baby's sleeping arrangements, it's more often the case that less is actually more (safe).
Safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping the contents of a baby’s cot to a minimum (ie. just the mattress and fitted bedding) to reduce the risk of sudden infant death (SIDs). Whilst SIDs is rare (affecting up to 200 babies a year in the UK), it is devastating and there are simple steps new parents can take to try and minimise the risk for their baby. These including rooming in with your baby for the first 6 months, breastfeeding, not smoking, no hats on baby when they are indoors and ideally your baby sleeping in their own cot or moses basket (for those of you who are keen to co-sleep please have a look at the fab guides on the Lullaby Trust website which advises you how to do this as safely as possible).
Top tips for preparing your baby’s sleep area:
Mattress - this should be firm, flat and waterproof (don’t be tempted to add quilts or pillows to make the mattress softer - they are meant to be firm!) *If you’re buying pre-loved nursery items we would advise getting a new mattress if possible, otherwise definitely ensure you inspect the mattress properly for any rips/stains/sagging and use a mattress protector
Room temperature - ideally this should be 16 - 20 degrees celcius. Some of you may find this easy to judge, but for those who‘d like some reassurance you can get a room thermometer. There are various types ranging from budget friendly options which can also be used to check baby’s bath temperature (handy!), to more fancy ones which change colour depending on how warm the room is (not necessary, but can be useful and double as a nightlight when breastfeeding!).
Where to place the cot - try to keep your baby’s cot away from any draughts or radiators to avoid over/under heating
Cot linen - ensure this can be tucked in without coming loose, or use fitted sheets (you’ll have a new appreciation for fitted sheets when you have one of those nights and get through a few sets!)
Baby bedding - if using sheets and blankets then ensure these are light so your baby can’t easily overheat. Tuck their bedding in no higher than your baby’s shoulders and make sure you place them with their feet at the bottom of the cot so they aren’t able to wiggle down under the blankets. If you’d like to use baby sleeping bags they can be a great option as they avoid loose bedding and they come in various Tog weightings depending on your room temperature
A minimalist cot - Unfortunately those gorgeously fluffy blankets, soft cuddly toys, pillows and pretty cot bumpers should be kept out of your baby’s cot
** Just to add a few things to avoid in your baby’s sleep area: -No one should smoke in this area -Do not fall asleep on the sofa/armchair with your baby -Avoid co-sleeping if you've been drinking/smoking/taking drugs -If you have a lovely cat make sure they’re not left alone with your baby as babies in cots look super cosy to them and they may try to hop in and join them!
Our antenatal classes ensure you’re well prepared for your baby’s arrival and feel confident in setting up your room safely to reduce the risk of SIDs. If you have any further questions please do drop us a message on the ‘contact us’ section, speak to your midwife, or call the Lullaby Trust on 0808 802 6869 - they also have a fantastic website with brilliant safer sleep guides, advice on mattresses, car seats, co-sleeping and more!
