How to make a cute, cosy and safe baby bed

How to make a cute, cosy and safe baby bed

How to make a cute, cosy and safe baby bed

Rest easy, here’s what you need to know about safe sleep
 

While images of wee babies – nestled in plush-cushioned mattresses, draped in cute blankets and snuggled up to adorable soft toys – plague the internet, the realities of making a safe baby bed are quite different. Whether you’re still pregnant and setting up a nursery or your bundle has already arrived, worrying about your slumbering babe can keep you up at night.

What is SUDI?

Sadly, sudden unexplained death in infancy (SUDI or SIDS) affects 40 to 60 babies every year in New Zealand, and is largely avoidable using safe sleeping practices. When it comes to making a safe bed, simple is often better.

SUDI is when a baby dies in a way that is unexpected and (initially) unexplained. It’s a leading cause of preventable deaths in New Zealand babies, and thankfully one we can take steps to avoid with the right knowledge. SUDI is most common in babies aged between two and four months, so setting up a safe sleeping environment from birth is best.

Here’s exactly what you need to know for both you and your baby to rest easy in the first year…

 

How do I make a safe baby bed?

Suffocation due to a baby having its face covered is one of the main risk factors for SUDI. Here’s what you can do to keep the risks low but your baby cosy in bed:

Invest in a safe cot

Restful sleep begins in the cot, and all cots sold in New Zealand are subject to mandatory safety standards. The cot you buy for your baby should comply with these standards and will carry a label to say so (look for National Standard AS/NZ 2172). Important aspects covered in this standard include a minimum cot depth, specific spacing between bars, securely locking drop-sides and more. View Dimples’ range of cots that meet the National Standard.

While it can be tempting (and convenient) to have your baby join you in bed, setting them up in their own cosy and safe sleeping space is best. Keep your baby close (ideally within your room) for at least the first six months – this makes night feedings easier if you’re breastfeeding and can also help lower the risk of SUDI.

Get the right mattress

A clean, firm, well-fitting mattress will help you and your little one get a good night’s rest. Firm, flat mattresses allow your baby’s airway to remain open when she’s resting on her back, and a mattress that fits securely within the cot means no gaps for your baby to become trapped or wedged in through the night. Aside from this, mattresses that are breathable and easy to clean like the ComfiCore Cot Mattress make for sweet dreams all round.

Now layer it up

  • Mattress protector – be prepared for spills and leaks by investing in a waterproof layer like this merino mattress protector from Growbright. When it comes to frequent bedding changes it’s an essential item for keeping the mattress clean and dry. It’s best to stock up on a couple of these to avoid being caught without.
  • Fitted sheet – here’s your chance to inject some cute! You’ll need three or four of these, so choose sweet printed, cotton jersey fitted sheets like this one from Snuggle Hunny, or go for super-soft and snuggly, 100% organic cotton like this one from Dimples.
  • Swaddle or sleeping bag – Soft or bulky bedding and blankets that can cover a baby’s face or head can be dangerous. Do away with loose blankets and use swaddles or sleeping bags to create safe sleeping for your baby. Swaddles in merino or cotton provide your baby with a cosy and secure layer with no extra blankets needed. Once your little one is ready to move out of a swaddle, seasonal sleeping bags are perfect for all sleeps. Best of all, with no blankets to kick off, they won’t wake from being cold in the night!


Rest easy

Watch your baby drift into a safe slumber with a video baby monitor like this one from Oricom. Baby monitors have come a long way in giving parents peace of mind, with features like breathing monitors that alert you when breath rate drops below a safe level. 

 

Less is best for a good night’s rest

Keeping it simple and minimal is the best approach when it comes to making up a safe and cosy bed for your new baby. Those Insta-worthy baby beds aren’t safe or practical when it comes to minimising the risk of SUDI – at least until her first birthday when she becomes more mobile. While it might seem boring, keep your cute factor to the fitted sheets and swaddle or sleeping bag for now, and save the accessories for one year and beyond.