If you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’ve probably researched every little thing you need for them from cot beds and cribs to bibs, beanies and bouncers! But did you know your newborn spends up to 18 hours asleep every day? This means sleep becomes a big (and we mean, BIG) priority so it’s important that you get baby’s sleep environment and safety just right (and hopefully get some shut-eye yourself).
If you haven’t yet purchased a crib, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Check-list for new cribs:
- Make sure it is deep enough to prevent your baby climbing out when they get more mobile, with at least 50cm between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides
- Ensure the bars are between 2.5cm and 6cm apart, so your baby can’t get stuck between the bars
- Ensure it doesn’t have corner-post extensions that your baby’s clothing could get caught on, or decorative cut-outs that could trap your baby's limbs
Keeping baby safe in their crib:
Now that you’ve got the perfect crib and nursery set-up, you need to know how best to put baby to sleep to ensure the safest sleep environment.
Here are the non-negotiables:
- Lay your baby down on their back to sleep – not their tummy or their side (once baby can roll over themselves, around 5 months, keep placing them down on their back and let them find their own sleeping position)
- Place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the crib so they can’t wriggle down under any loose bedding
Silky Tots Silk Cot/Crib Sleeves can be moved to the exact spot that baby is sleeping on the crib mattress and comply with all sleep safety regulations. Ensure your crib sleeve fits snugly on the mattress, if it it is too loose do not use (we offer exchanges or full refunds for sizing).
- Keep baby’s head uncovered and tuck bedding in no higher than the shoulders
- Ensure the cot/crib mattress fits firmly inside with no gaps on the sides
- Bub needs a cot/crib surface that is firm and flat – no pillows
- Ensure baby is warm enough but don’t allow them to overheat
Silky Tots Silk Cot/Crib Sleeves and Silk Fitted Cot/Crib Sheets are temperature regulating and moisture wicking which can help baby stay at the right temperature while sleeping.
Sweet dreams x