When do i put baby in cot

To put your baby in the feet to foot position: tuck the covers in securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head — use 1 or more layers of lightweight blankets use a baby mattress that's firm, flat, well-fitting, clean and waterproof on the outside — cover the mattress with a single sheet do not use duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls or pillows Do not let your baby get too hot or too cold Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.

When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool — this is normal. It's easier to adjust for the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets. Lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice, too. Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary.

Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable for you at night — about 18C 65F is ideal. If it's very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet. Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish do not need extra clothes. Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine. Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes while they're asleep.

Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby. Do not share a bed with your baby The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as you. It's especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner: smoke no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed have recently drunk alcohol have taken medicine or drugs that make you sleep more heavily The risks of co-sleeping are also increased if your baby: was premature born before 37 weeks , or had a low birth weight less than 2.

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SIDS. Stop giving them the dummy when they're between 6 and 12 months old. Anything that encourages them to feel relaxed and help them sleep is a major thumbs-up!

The general advice is not to give comforters to babies under six months old at bedtimes. However, it is still wise to keep an eye on them after this age too. It gives them a sense of security that they so crave in the early days.

These create a snug environment, keeping baby cocooned so they and you can get some sleep. Whatever it takes to get them feeling happy, secure and comfortable in their room, is worth a shot. When it comes to bedtimes; projectors, baby mobiles and soother toys are all great sources of inspiration. Whatever you choose, use it to lull your little on into a dreamy sleep. Shop now. All the gear Whether your child is in a; co-sleeper, crib or Moses basket, they ideally need to transition to a cot or cot bed around the age of six months old, to support their growing body.

Kitting out the nursery It will stand you in good stead to plan your nursery in advance. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Many newborns start their sleeping lives in a bassinet or other bedside sleeper in their parents' room.

This is convenient since you can comfort and feed your infant in the middle of the night without shuffling down the hall in the dark. Not a bassinet fan? Newborns can certainly sleep in a regular crib from day one. No matter what baby bed you choose in those early weeks and months, just be sure that it meets the latest crib safety guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC.

When your baby moves to a crib depends on several different factors. Bassinets and other bedside sleepers are great for newborns, but they usually come with weight limits.

Some are as low as 10 pounds which might only get you through the first month , though most can hold a pound baby. Take a look the next time you put her down. Does she seem cramped? Hitting new milestones is exciting, but the more your baby can do, the riskier it is to sleep in a bed made for infants. As with cribs, lowering the mattress before a baby can sit is a smart safety move, so apply the same principle to bassinets.

Make the switch in stages. Let her nap in the crib during the day for a couple of weeks until she gets used to it. Create a bedtime routine. If you haven't already established some nighttime rituals bath, book, snuggles, sleep , now's the time.