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Cot is the place where your baby spends most of his\her time sleeping. Therefore, it becomes utmost necessary to ensure cot safety, especially because there are many instances of cot deaths. Given below are some simple tips that will go a long way in reducing the fatalities in cot.
Tips for Cot Safety
Always keep the sides of the cot up when your baby is in it, this will prevent him from falling out. Portable cots are not designed to be used daily. They have the risk of collapsing which may injure your baby’s back.
Make your baby sleep on his back in a feet-to-foot position i.e. his feet should be near the cot’s foot but not touching it. You don’t need to put a pillow under baby’s head, just make sure that the cot’s bedding is firm and flat. You can keep your infants head turned to one side if he’s too young to do that himself.
Baby’s room should not be very hot; the right temperature is 18 degree Celsius. Don’t place the cot near a heater or fireplace; avoid putting an electric blanket or hot bottle in the cot. If your baby is in the habit of kicking away the blanket at night, a sleeping bag is a good option to keep him warm.
Place the cot away from windows, curtains and furniture to prevent him from climbing out of it. Keep the mattress at the lowest level and take out the cot’s bumper pads so he can’t climb out of the bed.
Dress your baby light in a nappy, vest and sleep suit that is flame-retardant. Baby’s mattress and sheet should be of cotton only.
Make sure that the cot is painted with lead-free paint as lead is poisonous for a baby. Keep your baby’s room smoke free.
It is a good idea to place baby’s cot in your bedroom so you are more aware of his needs.
These simple cot safety rules will enable you and your baby to enjoy a sound sleep.
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