As new parents, you must be really excited to welcome your baby to your home. There are so many things to do like, preparing a nursery, buying new toys etc. One such preparation also involves preparing a cot for your newborn.

A cot is going to be your baby's new home for the first few years. So you must know how to prepare it well in advance for your baby. There are many safety and cleanliness criterias you should be taking care of!

If you have read the Pediatric's research on the risks of co-sleeping, you already know that a cot is a better sleeping option for your baby. In that case, you would have already bought a cot. But do you know that there are some specific steps needed in its preparation?

No worries! We got you covered. Take some tips from us for a smoother preparation of your baby's new cot!

#1. Safety First Always!

The very first criteria for cot preparation is to make sure that your cot is absolutely safe for the baby. For this, make sure to check if your cot has any sharp edges or corners that may hurt the baby while playing. Buy a safe cot that meets all the standard criteria set by your country.

You also need to make sure that your cot is located at the right place where you can always keep an eye on your baby. You could consider keeping the cot in your room for the first year.

#2. Keep The Cot Clean

The next step after checking the safety of your cot is to make sure that it's super clean. A clean cot means that it should be dust-free and germ-free.

You have to make sure that anything that goes inside the cot is washed and sanitized with mild washing solutions. This goes for bedsheets, pillows, even toys!

This will eliminate any allergen from reaching your baby. It will also keep him away from viral and bacterial diseases prevalent these days.

#3. Keep The Cot Clear

Do you know that SIDS( sudden infant death syndrome) is one of the leading causes of death of newborn babies in the US? It involves the sudden death of a baby, under 1 year of age, while sleeping. One of its causes includes strangulation.

To decrease the risk of babies getting strangled, you must keep your cot clear of unnecessary objects. For example, you can keep some decorative pillows and colourful toys in it during the day, but make sure to remove everything when the baby is asleep in it.

The cot should only have a sleeping mattress and a baby blanket in it. Doctors also suggest having the baby sleep on their back on a flat surface. There should not be any loose blanket, bumper pads, or soft objects that babies can ingest.

All of the above steps can help you decrease the risk of SIDS for your baby!

#4. Choose A Safe Mattress

A safe mattress is firm, clean, and fits the cot perfectly. As a parent, you might feel that your baby will be more comfortable with a soft mattress. But this is wrong! A firm, unpadded sleep surface is the best option for your baby.

The mattress should also not be inclined or elevated. Make sure that your mattress has a waterproof cover. This will give you and your baby some uninterrupted sleep. We recommend buying an extra mattress in case you need to change one immediately.

#5. Choosing The Right Blanket

As we mentioned earlier, a cot should only have a mattress and a blanket while the baby is asleep in it. Select a blanket that is warm and gentle on your baby's skin. Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton are recommended.

A better choice for a blanket is a baby sleep bag. These bags come according to the different ages and weights of babies. These can be personalized to include your baby's name or other such features.

Loose blankets can become a threat once your baby starts to roll. The baby can get entrapped within the blanket. A baby sleeping bag is a better option to consider.

#6. Prepare The Cot For Your Baby's Teething

Your baby will start biting on the sides of your cot after a few months of their birth. You need to be prepared for such an event. You can either buy a cot with teething rails or get them attached later.

This will save your baby's sensitive gums and new developing teeth. It will also make sure that your baby isn't chewing on the wood or paint of the cot that may contain harmful chemicals.

#7. Get Yourself A Travel Cot!

A travel cot is especially needed by parents who love travelling. Your newborn will always have his bed ready anywhere you are! Travel cots are portable and easy to carry when you are away from home.

Often babies are not ready to adjust to the changing environment. Having a travel cot makes them feel at home. Get a travel cot for fuss-free travelling.

Conclusion

Preparing a cot does not require too much time. You just have to keep some precautions in mind while making your baby's bed. They are essential for your baby's safety as well as their sound sleep.

Cots are the safest option for your baby's new world. Prepare the cot every day, keeping in mind the tips we listed above. This will definitely help you get some peace of mind when you know your baby is sleeping safely and snugly in their cot bed.