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Choosing the best place for your baby or young child to sleep is all about finding the balance between comfort and safety. Cots allow younger children to benefit from a protective area to sleep to meet both needs.
A cot, not to be confused with a cot bed, is a small sleep accessory with high sides to stop a young child from falling out. These come in a few different forms, with permanent wooden designs and fabric travel options being the most popular.
Cots are a brilliant solution for young children so can be used from a newborn stage. As children then get older and learn to move around and stand up, a cot still allows safety to be integrated as they will be unable to get out of bed.
Each child develops at different speeds, but it’s recommended that by the age of two, a child is transitioned into a cot bed or toddler design.
You should place a cot away from any safety concerns which could impact the conditions for a child. This includes windows, doors, electrical sources, and any home decor items they could start to play with. The cot should also be positioned close to a wall to ensure the child feels protected and not exposed to space.
As it's recommended that a child sleeps in the same room as their parents for the first six months, a cot should be positioned close to them. The beauty of cots is that they are lightweight, slimline, and easy to move when needed, meaning transitioning a baby from co-sleeping to their own bedroom doesn't have to be stressful.
To ensure a child is comfortable, cot bedding should always be selected. This includes bedding sets for comfort but also quilts and bumper sets to elevate safety. Other considerations to make for improving a child's sleep experience are cot mobiles, night lights and baby monitors.
To ensure a cot has been properly constructed, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The process for building a cot is simple with most parts being supplied in large pieces. Once you have constructed the cot, always be sure to carry out safety testing before allowing a baby to sleep in it.
Using a cot is intended to promote safety for a young child but that doesn’t mean other measures can be missed out on.
When choosing bedding and bumpers for a child's cot, it's essential to prioritise ergonomic support.
Also, consider safety by ensuring the cot is not near anything that could pose a danger. Remember, the use of bumpers and quilts/pillows should be dependent upon the child's age. It's generally recommended to avoid using quilts and pillows before the child is 12 months old. Lastly, regularly assess if the child has outgrown the cot to ensure they have a safe sleeping environment.
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