Ashwin Lewis
Newborns can sleep in a cot, but it is important to ensure that the cot is safe and meets the necessary safety standards. A cot should have a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress that fits snugly, leaving no spaces for the baby to trap their head. The cot should be sturdy, with smooth bars securely fixed no more than 6.5 cm apart, to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped. It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their caregiver for the first 6 to 12 months, as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When placing a newborn in a cot, they should always be put to sleep on their back, with their feet at the bottom of the cot to prevent them from wriggling under the blankets. The baby's face and head should remain uncovered, and soft or puffy bedding, pillows, and toys should be avoided.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of sleep | Cot, crib, Moses basket, or carrycot |
| Sleeping position | On their back |
| Mattress type | Firm, flat, and waterproof |
| Mattress size | Fits the cot without gaps |
| Bedding | Lightweight and tucked in firmly below the shoulders |
| Sleeping bag | Well-fitted across the neck and chest |
| Room temperature | 16-20°C |
| Room items | No toys or items that could cover the baby's mouth or nose |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleeping positions
It is recommended that newborns sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as their parents for the first 6 to 12 months. This arrangement helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
When putting your baby to sleep, always place them on their back on a firm, flat, and clear surface. This position is recommended because healthy babies are less likely to choke on vomit when positioned on their back. Their airways are positioned above their oesophagus (food pipe), and babies protect their airways by swallowing regurgitated milk. Sleeping on their back also helps to keep their head and face uncovered.
If you are breastfeeding while lying down, make sure your baby cannot roll onto their front. If your baby rolls onto their side, place them back onto their back until they can roll in both directions by themselves. Once your baby can roll in both directions, you can let them find their natural sleeping position.
It is important to ensure that your baby's cot is safe and free from hazards. Remove any toys, pillows, duvets, or loose bedding from the cot as these items can cover your baby's mouth or nose, or make them too hot. Instead, tuck your baby in with blankets across their chest and under their arms. Always put your baby with their feet first at the bottom of the cot so they can't wriggle down and get caught under the blankets.
The mattress should be firm, flat, and the right size for the cot, with no gaps where your baby could get trapped. It should meet safety standards, and it is recommended to buy a new mattress if possible. The cot itself should also meet safety standards and be sturdy, with smooth, securely fixed bars no more than 6.5 cm apart.
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Cot safety features
Newborns can sleep in a cot, but it's important to follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents, suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Here are some key features to consider when creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn in a cot:
Mattress
The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof, with no gaps between the mattress and the cot. It should fit snugly to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped and should carry the BSI number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012. It is recommended to buy a new mattress unless you know its history and are confident in its cleanliness, size, and safety. The mattress should also have a label showing that it is fire-resistant and should be protected by a waterproof cover.
Bedding
Avoid using pillows, duvets, soft toys, and loose bedding as these can increase the risk of suffocation and overheating. Instead, use sheets and layers of blankets tucked firmly below the baby's shoulder level or a baby sleeping bag. Commercial sleeping bags are available with different tog ratings depending on the room temperature.
Cot Design
The cot should conform to safety standards, such as the British safety standard BS EN 716. The bars should be smooth and securely fixed, with no more than 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) between each bar to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped. The cot should be sturdy, with smooth moving parts that don't allow fingers or clothing to get trapped. Avoid cots with drop-side mechanisms as they may be unsafe. Ensure there are no stickers or transfers inside the cot that could peel off and present a choking hazard. The depth between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50 cm to prevent the baby from climbing out as they become more mobile.
Sleep Position
Always put the baby to sleep on their back, with their feet at the foot of the cot to prevent them from wriggling down under the covers. Ensure the baby's face and head are uncovered, and remove any items that could cover their mouth or nose, such as toys or loose bedding. Keep the room temperature between 16 and 20°C to prevent overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
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Safe bedding
Bedding Essentials:
For a newborn, the essential bedding items you need are a mattress, a waterproof mattress protector, a fitted sheet, and a blanket or swaddle. It is recommended to use a firm, flat , and
Bedding Material:
Choose natural, organic fibres like cotton for bedding. Organic cotton is free from harsh chemical dyes, synthetic fertilizers, and harmful pesticides, making it gentle on your baby's sensitive skin. It is also breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping your baby comfortable in all seasons. Opt for a thread count of around 200 for a soft, lightweight, and high-quality feel.
Safe Sleeping Practices:
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and ensure their face and head remain uncovered. Remove any pillows, duvets, soft toys, or loose bedding from the cot, as these can pose a risk of suffocation or overheating. Position your baby's feet at the bottom of the cot to prevent them from wriggling down under the blankets.
Room Environment:
Maintain a smoke-free environment before and after your baby's birth. Keep the room temperature between 16-20°C, and adjust your baby's clothing or tog rating accordingly. The Lullaby Trust recommends using a room thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Co-sleeping:
While it's recommended to have your baby sleep in their own cot, there may be instances of co-sleeping. Never co-sleep if you're extremely tired, or if your baby shows signs of illness or has a fever. Avoid co-sleeping if your baby was born premature or had a low birth weight. If you're breastfeeding while lying down, ensure your baby doesn't roll onto their front.
Remember, following safe bedding practices is crucial to providing a secure and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn.
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Safe room temperature
It is safe for newborns to sleep in a cot, and it is recommended that they do so in the same room as their caregiver for at least the first six months. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies always sleep on their backs in a clear cot or sleep space, free of bumpers, toys, pillows, duvets, quilts, wedges, and soft bedding or toys. A firm, flat, and waterproof mattress covered with a single sheet is ideal.
Now, onto the topic of safe room temperature for newborns. While there is no perfect temperature, it is important to ensure that the baby is comfortable and does not overheat. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS. As a general guideline, aim to keep the room temperature between 16°C and 20°C. Adjust the baby's clothing according to the season and whether there is heating or cooling. A good rule of thumb is to dress the baby as you would dress yourself for that temperature, aiming for comfortable warmth.
To check if your baby is too hot or cold, feel their chest, tummy, or the back of their neck, which should be warm to the touch. Don't worry if their hands and feet feel cool, as this is normal. If your baby is showing signs of heat stress, such as flushed cheeks and sweating, remove some clothing or bedding.
It is also important to note that you should avoid using a car seat as a primary sleeping place for your baby, even if they fall asleep in the car. Car seats are designed for travel and not as a sleeping environment. Once you reach your destination, move your baby to a firm, flat surface, such as a cot or Moses basket.
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Safe sleeping duration
It is recommended that newborns sleep in a cot for the first 6 months, in the same room as their parent(s). This arrangement ensures the baby's safety and allows the parent(s) to tend to their needs quickly, especially during nighttime feeds and cuddles.
For the first twelve months, babies should sleep in their own cot, in their parent's room. The cot should be kept clear of any objects that could cover the baby's mouth or nose, such as toys, loose bedding, pillows, and cot bumpers. Soft or puffy bedding should be avoided, and the baby should be placed on their back to sleep, with their face and head uncovered.
The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof, fitting the cot securely so that the baby's head does not sink into it. A new mattress is preferable, but a second-hand one can be used if it has been stored in a clean, dry, and smoke-free environment. The baby should be placed at the bottom of the cot, with their feet first, to prevent them from wriggling down and getting caught under the blankets.
To maintain a safe sleeping environment, it is crucial to keep the baby away from cigarette smoke and drugs. Additionally, it is advised to avoid co-sleeping with the baby if the parent(s) is extremely tired or if the baby shows any signs of illness or has a fever.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns can sleep in a cot. In fact, it is recommended that they do. The safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, in a cot, in the same room as their caregiver(s) for the first 6 to 12 months.
The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof, and it should fit the cot without leaving any gaps. If you're buying a new cot, look for one that meets British safety standard BS EN 716. The BS number should be in the instructions or marked on the cot itself.
The Lullaby Trust recommends using a room thermometer to maintain a room temperature of between 16 and 20°C. Depending on the room temperature and the tog, you can adjust your baby's clothing as necessary. There should be no other bedding. Commercial sleeping bags have the following tog ratings: 2.5 tog: for use all year and for standard room temperatures of 16 to 20°C (61 to 69°F); 1.0 tog: for use in warmer weather and in warmer rooms of 20 to 24°C (69-to 73°F); 0.5 tog: for use in hot weather and warm room temperatures of 24 to 27°C (73 to 80°F). If you use baby blankets instead of a sleeping bag, lie your baby on their back with their feet nearest the foot of the cot or Moses basket. This prevents any loose bedding from covering their face when they wriggle around.
You should avoid placing the cot next to a radiator, heater, or sunny window. Do not use pillows, duvets, or toys on the sleeping surface. Cot bumpers are not recommended as babies can overheat or get tangled in the fastenings. Never leave anything with ties, such as bibs or clothes, in the cot as they might get caught around your baby's neck.
The safest way to put your baby to sleep is on their back. This is because healthy babies are less likely to choke on vomit if they are positioned on their back. Their airways are positioned above their oesophagus (food pipe) and babies protect their airways by swallowing regurgitated milk. Babies who sleep on their side are more likely to roll onto their tummy.
