What is a Sleep-Safe Environment?

Posted by Amie Spooner on

If you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’ve probably researched every little thing you need for them from cots and cribs to bibs, beanies and bouncers! But did you know your newborn spends up to 18 hours asleep every day? This means sleep becomes a big (and we mean, BIG) priority so it’s important that you get baby’s sleep environment and safety just right (and hopefully get some shut-eye yourself). 

If you haven’t yet purchased a cot/crib, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Check-list for new cots: 

  • Make sure it is deep enough to prevent your baby climbing out when they get more mobile, with at least 50cm between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides
  • Ensure the bars are between 2.5cm and 6cm apart, so your bub can’t get stuck between the bars
  • Ensure it doesn’t have corner-post extensions that your baby’s clothing could get caught on, or decorative cut-outs that could trap your bub's limbs 

Keeping baby safe in their cot:

Now that you’ve got the perfect cot and nursery set-up, you need to know how best to put baby to sleep to ensure the safest sleep environment.

Here are the non-negotiables: 

  • Lay your baby down on their back to sleep – not their tummy or their side (once baby can roll over themselves, around 5 months, keep placing them down on their back and let them find their own sleeping position)
  • place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot so they can’t wriggle down under any loose bedding

Silky Tots Silk Cot Sleeve can be moved to the exact spot that baby is sleeping on the cot mattress and comply with all sleep safety regulations. Ensure your cot sleeve fits snugly on the mattress, if it it is too loose do not use (we offer exchanges or full refunds due to sizing). 

  • Keep baby’s head uncovered and tuck bedding in no higher than the shoulders
  • Ensure the cot/crib mattress fits firmly inside with no gaps on the sides
  • Bub needs a cot/crib surface that is firm and flat – no pillows
  • Ensure baby is warm enough but don’t allow them to overheat

Silky Tots Silk Cot Sleeves and Silk Fitted Cot Sheets are temperature regulating and moisture wicking which can help baby stay at the right temperature while sleeping.

Sleep-Safe Environment

Sweet dreams x

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