In the weeks leading up to your due date, there are so many things that you need to get ready. But preparing your baby’s cot is one of the most important. For the first six weeks, they should sleep in a cot in the same room as you and you need to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible. Safety is also a big concern when setting up your baby’s sleeping area. These are some of the key things to keep in mind when setting up your baby’s cot.
Use A Good Quality Mattress
Just like adults, babies need a good quality mattress to make them comfortable while sleeping. It needs to be firm and you need to get the dimensions right so it fits snugly in the cot. You can find a whole range of great mattresses on sites like For Your Little One, so have a browse and find one that is perfect for the cot you have bought. If you go for a cheap mattress or a used one, it won’t be firm enough for your baby and this can disrupt their sleep, so it’s important that you invest in quality. Make sure that you get a few waterproof covers as well, so you can easily switch them out when your baby has an accident in the night.
Keep The Cot Free Of Clutter
Safety is a primary concern for all parents, which is why it’s important that you babyproof your home and remove any potential dangers before the baby arrives. You also need to remove any clutter and potentially dangerous items from your baby’s cot. This will keep them safe while sleeping and also help them to stay comfortable. Make sure that there are no unnecessary duvets and pillows in the cot, and remove all toys as well. Check for any loose bedding too because this can disrupt your baby’s sleep.
Get The Position Right
When decorating your child’s nursery, the position of the cot is the most important thing. It needs to be placed next to a wall, but avoid walls that join with other rooms that could potentially disturb the baby, like the bathroom, for example. Keep the cot away from radiators because, even though you might think it’s a good way to keep them warm, they often get too hot and this disrupts their sleep. Avoid windows as well, especially if you have blinds because the cords can be dangerous. Finally, remember that babies like to grab things, so keep the cot away from anything that can be pulled off the wall and potentially fall on them.
Add Teething Rails
When your baby starts teething, they will chew on anything they can get their hands on, including the sides of their cot. This can be very damaging to their teeth, so make sure to look for a cot that has built-in teething rails or install some afterwards.
Setting up the perfect sleeping area for your baby is so important if you want them to be happy and healthy, so make sure to follow these tips.