Baby Safety

A safe and secure cot bed is a crucial investment for any parent.

Positioning a cot bed safely:
  • Keep away from dangers like wall-hanging frames, mirrors, or shelves.
  • Avoid heat sources such as radiators or direct sunlight.
  • Place away from furniture that could be used as footholds.
  • Keep clear of curtains or blinds with strings.
  • Use the base at the appropriate height and adjust as your baby grows.

Your baby can start cutting teeth from around 5 or six months and it will continue until they reach around two or three years old. To relieve discomfort, you might find they are gnawing and chewing on things a lot, including their cot bed.

When a baby is teething the saliva softens the material, causing potential chunks to break off, which is incredibly dangerous as they could end up swallowing pieces of the wood.

Teething rails are a great idea, a protective piece of silicone or fabric that runs along the top edge of the cot's sides. You can purchase them from places like Amazon.

 

How your cot can grow with your baby

As your baby grows, their cot bed should adjust with them. Make sure your cot bed is in the highest position until your baby is around three months old. Once your baby can sit up unaided, you can adjust the cot bed so that it's in its lowest position. 

As soon as your baby can reach over the top rail of their cot, you should think about transforming your LingLux cot into a toddler bed. The same applies if your little one shows any signs of trying to climb out of their cot. 

A good rule to bear in mind is that the lowest side of the cot shouldn't be 
lower than the shoulder height of your baby. Once your baby is able to pull themselves up to stand (at approximately 9 months old) there is the chance that they will be able to climb out. 


You should always keep your baby's cot clear of unnecessary items. In fact, the lullaby trust says 'a clear cot is a safe cot'. 

Avoid adding soft toys, pillows, cushions or quilts for babies under one year old, as these pose a suffocation risk. Duvets need to be avoided at this age as well, as these can make your baby too hot. 
 
 
Baby charity The Lullaby Trust advises parents to follow these cot and sleep-safety tips: 

 

  • Keep your baby's cot in your room with you for the first six months. 
  • Make sure the mattress is firm, dry and clean. 
  • The safest sleeping position for your baby in a cot is lying on their back, not on their front or side (unless your doctor advises otherwise), until your baby is able to roll from back to front and back again. 
  • Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, so they can't wriggle down under the covers. Don't worry if they wriggle up and get uncovered. Alternatively, you can use a baby sleeping bag instead of bedding. 
  • It can be dangerous if your baby's head gets covered when they're sleeping. To avoid this, tuck in the bedclothes firmly around your child, and no higher than shoulder level 
  • Never use a pillow, quilt or duvet if your baby is under a year old. Instead, use cotton sheets or lightweight blankets. 
  • The recommended room temperature for a baby to sleep in is 16-20°c (61-68°f) - use a room thermometer to check before putting your baby to bed. 
  • To check whether your baby is too hot, look for sweating or feel the back of your baby's neck or his or her tummy, not hands or feet. 
  • Keep the cot out of direct sunlight. 

 

 
Your Mattress

  • Make sure you choose the right size of cot mattress for your cot. The mattress should fit the cot snugly, with no gaps between the side of the mattress and the cot frame. 
  • Make sure the cot mattress is firm, flat and protected by a waterproof cover. 
  • Avoid second-hand cot mattresses where possible. 
  • Look out for safety standards. All mattresses should have the bs 
  • 1877-10:2011+a1:2012 number on the labelling or instructions. It's preferable if it also carries bs 7177:1996 and bs en 16890:2017 + a1:2021. 

 

Should you buy a second-hand cot mattress? 


It is not recommended buying or using a second-hand cot mattress. Where possible, always buy new.


Most concerning is that a quarter of second-hand cot mattress owners 
reported indentations forming in the mattress or it sagging too much. A mattress that isn't firm and flat won't provide enough support for your 
baby, and it could pose a suffocation risk. 


All LingLux cots come with a new, perfect fitting mattress as standard. 


 
What is sudden infant death syndrome (sids)? 

Sudden infant death syndrome (sids) refers to the unexpected death of a baby under 12 months old. The exact cause is unknown, but parents can take steps to reduce the risk. Follow safe sleeping guidelines to further protect your baby. 

To reduce the risk of sids: 

  • Place your baby on their back to sleep, in the same room as you, for the first 6 months 
  • Keep your baby's head uncovered - their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders 
  • If wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, do not cover their head with the sling material or with a muslin.
  • Place your baby in the "feet to foot' position, with their feet at the end of the cot or moses basket.
  • Do not let your baby get too hot or cold.
  • Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
  • Do not smoke when you're pregnant or around your baby after they're born, and do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.