Can you put anything in your baby's cot?
While it might be tempting to put cuddly toys and comforters in your little one's crib, safety advice says you should make sure their sleeping space is totally clear
Gifts of teddies and other cuddly toys are a bit of a given when you have a baby, but when it comes to safe sleeping, these are definitely best kept out of your little one's cot.
That's because anything in your baby's crib - including loose blankets, cot bumpers and cuddly toys - could increase the risk of your baby being smothered or suffocated.
The Lullaby Trust - the UK's leading charity for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) awareness - has listed the below as being unsafe for your baby's sleeping area:
- pillows and duvets
- cot bumpers
- soft toys
- loose bedding
- any products (such as wedges or straps) that will keep your baby in one sleeping position.
"There is evidence to suggest that babies are at higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered," they've said.
"Some items added to a cot may increase the risk of head-covering. Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can also increase the risk of accidents."
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Read more: More safe sleep guidelines for babies
One mum's stark warning
A devastating story has been shared by one mum on Facebook, whose 18-month-old daughter Connie Rose slid under a teddy bear at the side of her bed.
Dexy Leigh Walsh wrote:
"On the 6th March 8.01am 2018 my life changed, I woke up to get my oldest ready for school to find my youngest baby had passed away.
"I have been blaming myself as she passed away due to suffocation as I had packed down the side of her bed with teddies and placed a big one on top of the smaller teddies to stop her from falling down the side of her bed...
"And she did exactly that but as it was all teddy bears she went under the massive teddy and fell asleep with the angels.
"All I think about now is what if I just left it empty she would still be here - maybe with just a small bump on her head. It’s all 'what ifs' now.
"But i want every parent to see and be aware of this. Let them fall - don’t try to stuff small places up with soft things, just leave it empty.
"She had a bed guard at one side and the smallest gap from her wall to her bed and that’s where I had put all her teddy’s my biggest regret in life.
"Please move everything off your kids bed and away from the sides.
"My oldest daughter used to have her bed covered in cushions, teddies, had princess drapes the lot, they don’t need anything on their bed but a cover. A pillow isn’t even needed.
"I really hope my little princesse's tragic story can save someone else baby's life. I miss you Connie so much - life is so unfair at times.
"I’m so glad and proud you were my little girl you made me who I am today and now I’m even stronger for your big sister.
"Thank you for being the most perfect and loveable baby. Your smile can make anyone come from a really dull place to happy in seconds.
"Mum Murray and Dior love you lots and miss you so much baby! Everyone in the family is broken. I hope you are having fun princess. Sleep tight baby."
Images: Getty Images/Dexy Leigh Walsh on Facebook
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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