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Choosing the Perfect Mattress and Linens for Your Baby
When it comes to choosing a mattress and linens for your baby, ensuring safety plays a crucial role. The safest mattresses are firm, flat, and protected by waterproof covers. on how to choose the best mattress and bedding items that can minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS.
The ideal location for your baby's sleep space is in a separate, firm, flat area like a crib or bassinet. It is recommed to keep your baby close to you during their first six months of life, both day and night.
Firmness: Use a firm mattress that fits properly into your chosen sleep environment crib, bassinet.
Waterproof Protection: A waterproof cover ensures cleanliness and dryness, which is easy to wipe clean.
Do not use sheepskin on your baby's sleeping space as it can compromise the firmness of the mattress and increase overheating risk. It’s essential that your baby's sleeping surface remns firm, flat, and waterproof.
For infants under one year old, avoid soft or bulky bedding to minimize the risk of overheating or suffocation. Instead:
Tuck sheets tightly underneath your baby.
Keep blankets snugly around their feet while allowing ample space for arms and shoulders.
Consider lightweight baby sleep bags if additional warmth is needed.
Weighted swaddles
Weighted blankets
Weighted sleeping bags
Quilts
Pillows
Duvets
Pillows have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS by up to 2.5 times, making it safer for babies to sleep in a clear, flat environment.
For parents concerned about 'flat head syndrome', using pillows isn't advised as it may increase the risk of SIDS. Instead:
Encourage supervised tummy time during waking hours.
Avoid exted use in travel systems like car seats or baby carriers which can restrict movement.
Some studies suggest second-hand mattresses may increase SIDS risk when sourced outside the immediate family, though definitive proof is lacking. When using a second-hand mattress:
Ensure it's covered completely with waterproof protection.
Check for no rips, tears or damage.
Confirm that the mattress remns firm and flat.
Cot bumpers pose risks when used as babies start rolling over, potentially causing accidents by entanglement in ties or material, or falls due to pulling themselves up on the bumpers.
FAQs
Small Room, Travel Cot: As long as it meets safety standards and allows for proper mattress placement with no additional bedding, using a travel cot should be safe.
Twin Babies in the Same Cot: Co-sleeping is acceptable but must follow safe guidelines including no sharing pillows or blankets.
Resources:
Mattress and Bedding Fact SheetLink to download
Product GuideLink to download
Car Seat Safety InformationLink to download
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This article is reproduced from: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/product-information/mattresses-and-bedding/
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Safe Baby Sleeping Mattress Selection Waterproof Protection for Infants Firmness Over Softness in Bedding Avoid Sheepskin for Infant Beds Prevent Overheating with Lightweight Linens No Pillows Near Babies Sleep